Continuous assessment and research on enhanced blood pressure control – CareBP study

Introduction: Hypertension and its pre-stages are the leading cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, why awareness and prevention are highly relevant. Novel blood pressure devices can provide a broader picture at an earlier stage and enable an assessment of elevated values. The aim of this pilot study was to provide pharmacist-led support for the use, analysis and communication of a 14-day-cuffless blood pressure monitoring in potential hypertensive adults. Methods: For this pilot study ten adults were enrolled, who had elevated blood pressure values (>130 mmHg systolic and/ or >85 mmHg diastolic) in the past but no current cardiovascular diagnosis or medication. Participants were guided to use a cuffless blood pressure device (Aktiia/ Hilo bracelet) for 14 full days. The blood pressure profiles were analyzed with a previously developed blood pressure model and compared with profiles of normotensive adults. Results: The blood pressure profiles demonstrated individual blood pressure patterns in all participants. Six of ten participants were above the recommended 24-hour-threshold of 135/85 mmHg, one was at the threshold and three were under the threshold during the study period. Besides the blood pressure levels, there were differences regarding variability, night-dips and number of measurements. Compared to normotensives, base blood pressure was higher in potential hypertensives. Finally, the results were communicated to the participants for further discussion with other healthcare professionals. Discussion: The combination of a cuffless device, model-based analysis and pharmacist support represents a promising translational approach for individualized blood pressure monitoring. The results of the CareBP study show the extended value of 14 days of individual blood pressure monitoring and underline the relevance of this approach for cardiovascular disease prevention.