Telehealth Intervention for Improved Blood Pressure Control With Targeted Incentives

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, global mortality, and ranks third among the causes of disability. Treatment of hypertension is relatively straightforward, but patient adherence to long-term self-care strategies is problematically low. Three important behaviors that individuals can adhere to in order to help lower their BP are 1) Taking medications as prescribed by a physician, 2) Monitoring BP at home, and 3) Limiting dietary sodium intake. Adherence to these behaviors is problematic and currently ranges from 25% to 50%; the present Phase I STTR study is aimed at addressing the behavioral barriers for adherence to these three activities with the help of mobile technology. In particular, this STTR will develop and test an incentive program delivered through a mobile health app to increase adherence to prescribed BP control regimens and precipitate reduction in BP.