Online Tracking Helps Lower Blood Pressure

An online tool can help people lower their blood pressure, researchers report. The program, called Heart360, is a free online tracking tool created by the American Heart Association. In the study, 298 people with high blood pressure were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group used Heart360. They uploaded data to the tool from their home blood pressure monitors. This information was sent to pharmacists, who were trained to monitor and adjust people’s medicines. The second group received usual care from their doctors. They also received pamphlets on managing high blood pressure, diet and exercise. After 6 months, 54% of the Heart360 group had lowered blood pressure to their target levels. About 35% of people in the usual-care group reached their goals. The differences were even wider for people with diabetes or kidney problems.