Targeting better Hypertension control with the usage of the ESH smartphone application

Abstract Aims Uncontrolled blood pressure is a main issue in the management of hypertensive patients, while mobile health (mHealth) offers a new perspective. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an mHealth app-based intervention, the ESH CARE, in the management of uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Methods This was a two-arm randomized, controlled trial conducted among 107 hypertensive patients, with uncontrolled office (≥140/90mmHg) and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (≥130/80mmHg). After antihypertensive drug treatment initiation or intensification, patients were 1:1 randomized to Application Assisted Strategy (AAS) group or usual care group, with scheduled visits at 1 and 3 months. In ASS group there was a virtual visit, while in usual care group there was an office visit. At 6 months, there was a final visit assessment with office and ambulatory BP measurement. Results The mean age of the total population (n=107) was 52.9±9.6 years, 50.5% were women, without any significant differences in the baseline characteristics. At 6 months, 50% in the usual care group and 78.2% in the AAS group (p=0.002) achieved both systolic and diastolic ambulatory BP targets (<130/80 mmHg). Regarding office BP, there was a reduction of 19.9±9.1/12.4±7.7 mmHg in the usual care group and 25.1±6.4/16.3±6.3 mmHg in the AAS group, while regarding ambulatory BP, there was a reduction of 6.6±9.2/3.3±6.2 mmHg and 10.9±9.1/6.4±5.5 mmHg respectively. Conclusions Follow-up of hypertensive patients with the ESH Care App is feasible and contributes to a significantly better office and out-of-office BP control after 6 months.