Mission

High blood pressure (hypertension) is extremely common. Uncontrolled blood pressure puts people at increased risk of developing heart disease, brain disease, and kidney disease. Yet only 1 in 4 people have their blood pressure under good control (blood pressure under 130/80 mmHg). Blood pressure control is worse in populations who traditionally face inequities, including the African American and Latinx communities.

Blood pressure control could be improved if we change the way we deliver care. There are increasing calls for home blood pressure monitoring (in addition to office measurements), and remote (virtual) blood pressure teams with nurses and pharmacists to support primary care providers in achieving blood pressure control. There is also more attention to how social determinants of health impact individuals’ ability to participate in their healthcare journey and gain maximal benefit from therapy. Community health workers can be the needed glue, helping patients access services and reinforcing plans of care.

The Pressure Check study is designed to address health inequities in hypertension (high blood pressure), providing much needed evidence about how best to control high blood pressure in our communities. This evidence will support policies and infrastructure for how we deliver care. The study is taking place in 4 cities, wherein a partnered health system in each city (Yale New Haven Health, Sentara Health, Houston Methodist, and Massachusetts General/Brigham) is collaborating with 10 community partners to screen for high blood pressure. Our community partners include churches, barbershops, community centers, and other businesses/organizations that have been historically minded around health and wellbeing. Our CBOs are highlighted within each partnered city.