Study: Telemedicine Program To Monitor High Blood Pressure A Hit With Patients, Hospitals

A new study says a pharmacist-led telemonitoring program to manage high blood pressure has cut people's risk for a heart attack or stroke by up to 50%.

Just over 5% of program participants had a heart attack or stroke, needed stent placement surgery, or were hospitalized for heart failure.

About 10% of people whose treatment was monitored by routine primary care visits experienced these heart problems. According to UPI, nearly half of all adults in the US have hypertension.

The researchers said savings from reduced cardiovascular disease events exceeded the telemonitoring program costs by $1,900 per patient.

In addition, participants said they liked having support from a trusted professional, rapid feedback and adjustments to their treatment.