by kathleen doheny
health reporter
Fat Loss Program Workout - Program Boosts Blood-Pressure Control for Patients
Tuesday, August 20 (Health News) - The blood pressure control rate among adults with hypertension that participated in an intensive program offered by its health maintenance organization almost doubled in nine years, according to A new study.
A key part of the program is to treat patients with a single combination blood pressure pill which is easier than taking several pills for the same condition.
"This study suggests that if you have high blood pressure, there is hope," said study researcher, Dr. Marc Jaffe, an endocrinologist and clinical leader of the cardiovascular risk reduction program for Kaiser Permanent California.
from 2001 to 2009, the blood the depressure control rate of those participating in the program increased from about 43% to more than 80%, Jaffe said. "I'd say it's a phenomenal increase," he said. By 2011, the control rate was even greater at 87%.
The Jaffe team compared this control rate for a national database that discovered that blood pressure control increased much less among the general population during the same period of time, from 55% to 64% .
For the study, the control was defined as a pressure less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (MMHG) while in the medication. Ideally, the pressure should be below 120/80 in the general population.
The study is published in the August 21 issue of the American Medical Association magazine.
Hypertension, which increases the risk of heart attacks and spills, affects about 29% of adult Americans, or 65 million people, the researchers said.
The program had five key points, Jaffe said. He established a comprehensive record of hypertension to identify patients with high blood pressure. Between 2001 and 2009, registration increased from about 350,000 adults to about 652,000 among Kaiser's Northern California facilities. The mean age of patients was 63 years.
It also promoted the prescription of a blood pressure pill of a single combination, known from other searches to function well. Included Lisinopril (brand names include principle and zestril) and hydrochlorothiazide (microzide, esidrix). "We know a single pill is easier to remember," said Jaffe. It can also be more accessible, with a co-payment of drugs instead of two or more, he said.
The program also negotiated information on success strategies among clinics. Kaiser's clinics reached high control rates shared their practices with other clinics, which then began them. The program also used evidence-based practical guidelines in the treatment of orientation.
Medical wizards were used for follow-up visits to monitor blood pressure. Medical assistants were not registered nurses or licensed vocational nurses, but were especially trained staff who monitored blood pressure and other vital signs, said Jaffe.
"I think many of these components would be applicable to other centers," he said. Although the study did not examine whether blood pressure control results in cost savings due to less hospitalizations and other fees, Jaffe said he believes it would be.
dr. Abhinav Goyal, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University Medicine School, said improvement in blood pressure control was impressive.
"This could work in other settings, as long as they are willing to present the same commitment and long-term resources that Kaiser did to do the work of the program," said Goyal, who co-wrote a accompany the study.
Those with high blood pressure and other chronic conditions "should be aware that health systems are responding to change in American healthcare, taking a more population approach to controlling the risk factors of chronic disease," he said. "Doctors will continue to be an important part of the process, but no longer the center of all visits."
Although the study focused on the five points of the program, Jaffe said, there is much high blood pressure can do on its own to control it. "Avoid tobacco, control your weight, obtain regular physical activity and eat a healthy heart diet," he said. "This can make a big difference."
"What this study shows is, is about a partnership," he said. "You should partner with your health team."
