#488 – Data-Driven Healthcare: Smarter Hypertension Management

The Urgency of Hypertension Management

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Each year, nearly a million Americans die from cardiovascular disease—equivalent to filling 22 Wrigley Fields to capacity. The AMA has made chronic disease prevention a priority, emphasizing the importance of blood pressure control as a key strategy to reduce premature mortality.

Addressing Key Challenges in Hypertension Care

Despite widespread awareness, hypertension management faces several obstacles:

1. Inaccurate Blood Pressure Measurement – Many readings are unreliable, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.
2. Treatment Inertia – Patients with uncontrolled hypertension often receive suboptimal care, leaving them at risk.
3. Lack of Adherence – Nearly half of hypertensive patients do not take their prescribed medications or follow up regularly.

To combat these issues, the AMA developed the MAP framework, which helps care teams:

• Measure accurately – Ensure blood pressure readings are valid and actionable.
• Act rapidly – Initiate and intensify treatment based on clinical guidelines.
• Partner with patients – Improve adherence through education and home monitoring.

The Power of Data in Improving Outcomes

Azara Healthcare, through its collaboration with the AMA, equips providers with real-time data analytics. According to LuAnn Kimker, SVP of Clinical Innovation at Azara, one of the biggest challenges is that many healthcare organizations lack the data to assess their hypertension management efforts.

By implementing Azara’s data-driven tools, providers can:

• Track hypertension control at the provider, practice, and network levels.
• Identify gaps in treatment and address them proactively.
• Use automated outreach tools to remind patients of appointments and medication adherence.

Real-World Success in Hypertension Control

One statewide health network using Azara’s tools identified that they were not conducting repeat blood pressure measurements—an essential step in diagnosing hypertension correctly. By implementing education and process improvements, they achieved:

• A 21-point increase in repeat blood pressure measurement.
• A 2.1-point improvement in hypertension control within just seven months.

This demonstrates how small process changes, driven by accurate data, can lead to significant health improvements.

Enhancing Patient Engagement Through Technology

Technology plays a crucial role in keeping patients engaged. Automated reminders help schedule follow-ups, while home blood pressure monitoring allows for convenient tracking outside clinical settings. However, Kimker emphasizes that engagement is only effective when patients see their data being used to make meaningful treatment decisions.

To further support care teams, AMA and Azara have developed customized reports and learning sessions that provide insights into patient populations and social determinants of health—factors that influence adherence and health outcomes.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Hypertension Management

Both Kimker and Sinead Forkan-Kelly, Director at AMA, stress that continued collaboration is key to improving hypertension care. The AMA offers one-on-one program support to healthcare organizations looking to implement best practices. Additionally, AMA has curated a validated device listing to help providers and patients select accurate home blood pressure monitors.

For those interested in learning more, AMA and Azara encourage healthcare professionals to access their available resources and reports, ensuring they have the tools needed to drive better hypertension management.