Bringing Down BP Numbers With Self-Monitoring

Building on previous programs to improve community health, the American Heart Association and StayWell Health Center have established a self­-monitoring blood pressure program for select patients at its main clinic site. The program, established in November 2021, ensures that patients appropriate for remote blood pressure monitoring receive the equipment and educational materials they need to successfully take control of their health.

Participants in the self-monitoring program are identified by clinicians and given an at-home blood pressure monitor along with the AHA's Healthy Living resources, available in English and Spanish. Health care professionals train patients on how to use the devices to take daily blood pressure readings and how to record their blood pressure rates. Patients with Bluetooth-enabled devices can use an app to upload their readings to their electronic health records, while those using a standard device can bring their readings to medical visits to be added to their records.

StayWell, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving more than 2,000 patients, is an important partner in the AHA’s Women Staying Well in Waterbury initiative, which raises public awareness of hypertension and drives more equitable access to health resources. StayWell opened its doors in 1978 and has been a leader in improving the health of families through its network of primary care, women’s and behavioral health services.

Since 2019, the AHA and StayWell have teamed up for AHA and American Medical Association initiatives to improve cholesterol and blood pressure rates. These programs provide health centers with up-to-date information on evidence-based practices to improve patient health.

In 2021, StayWell Health Center was recognized for achieving Gold status for its work in cholesterol management and recognized as reaching Gold+ status for improving high blood pressure care by adopting policies to drive evidenced-based treatment protocols. About 3 in 10 people in Connecticut have been told they have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The self-monitoring program is coordinated by StayWell’s chief medical officer, Dr. Tess Lombard, and Director of Clinical Operations Miriam Lopez. Using Target: BP™ training resources, the clinical team participates in regular trainings on blood pressure management and how to incorporate self-monitoring into patient treatment plans. Trained staff teach patients the proper techniques for taking and recording blood pressure readings.

The AHA launched the Women Staying Well in Waterbury initiative with funding from the Connecticut Community Foundation's Margaret M. Hallden Fund. The funding is also providing Waterbury communities with information on the importance of women knowing their blood pressure numbers through public service announcements in English and Spanish.