Dr. Sushmita Ganguli

Abstract:

Hypertension is one of the non- communicable ailments which increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney diseases and hence managing it is vital to preserve health and prevent the risks. We examine in this review how emerging techniques like BP tele-monitoring, tele-medicine combined with m-health and the development of novel drug classes can effectively manage hypertension [1]. New approaches are not only reasonable but becoming necessary with the known challenges that physicians intend to face in the future.

Keywords: Hypertension, Hypertension management, Digital health, BP Tele-monitoring, Telemedicine, m-health, e-health, new drugs in hypertension.

Introduction:

Treating hypertension has shown to limit risks to cardiovascular diseases. New approaches, including new technologies are needed to screen, detect and control hypertension. The two most widely accepted, utilised and promising digital health technologies are self- monitoring and tele monitoring and may fit into the future models of care in hypertension.[5] The unmet need of controlling high risk patients may also be addressed by the development and approval of new drugs and procedures as well[6].

Methods: (Main Body)

A review on literatures of hypertension management with new techniques and technologies and novel drugs was conducted. Electronic processes and communication technologies commonly referred as e-health are more and more often employed to provide healthcare to caregivers and patients.[2] To effectively manage hypertension, patients are getting empowered with combination of tele-monitoring and medications. The most popular telemedicine application is blood pressure monitoring (BPT) which enables easy transmission of BP readings and other clinical information from the patient to the doctor.  Novel technology including smartphones and Bluetooth enabled devices are also evolving as key players in hypertension management.[5] M- health has the potential to promote patient’s self- management as a complement to doctor’s intervention and encourage greater participation in medical decision making.[4] Current statistics show that half of smartphone users gather their health data through their phone and 19% use a health app. [3] Similarly, introduction of new drugs like anti-aldosterone agents, mineralocorticoid antagonists, centrally acting aminopeptidase inhibitors, Vaso peptidase inhibitors and certain vaccines are also showing promising results in the ongoing clinical trials meant for hypertension management.

Conclusion:

Thus, telemedicine, tele-monitoring and m-health along with the development of new drugs are progressively gaining a key role in management of hypertensive patients, having the potential to improve the quality of delivered care and to more effectively prevent cardiovascular consequences of high BP. But the most critical need is for these new technologies and drugs to be properly assessed and clinically validated prior to widespread implementation in general population.

References:

[1]. Kitt J, Fox R, Tucker KL, McManus RJ. New approaches in hypertension management: a review of current and developing technologies and their potential impact on hypertension care. Current hypertension reports. 2019 Jun;21:1-8.

[2]. Omboni S, Caserini M, Coronetti C. Telemedicine and M-health in hypertension management: technologies, applications and clinical evidence. High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention. 2016 Sep;23:187-96.

[3]. Parati G, Dolan E, McManus RJ, Omboni S. Home blood pressure telemonitoring in the 21st century. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension. 2018 Jul;20(7):1128-32.

[4]. Wang JG, Li Y, Chia YC, Cheng HM, Minh HV, Siddique S, Sogunuru GP, Tay JC, Teo BW, Tsoi K, Turana Y. Telemedicine in the management of hypertension: evolving technological platforms for blood pressure telemonitoring. The Journal of Clinical Hypertension. 2021 Mar;23(3):435-9.

[5]. Kitt J, Fox R, Tucker KL. Digital health: New approaches in hypertension management. Journal of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Sciences. 2020 Feb 11;4(1).

[6]. Oparil S, Schmieder RE. New approaches in the treatment of hypertension. Circulation research. 2015 Mar 13;116(6):1074-95.

[7]. Ferrario CM. New approaches to hypertension management: always reasonable but now necessary. American journal of hypertension. 2005 Feb 1;18(S2):23S-5S.