Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common yet serious condition that can lead to severe health issues. Effectively managing hypertension is crucial for reducing risks and maintaining overall health. Assistive technology (AT) offers valuable support in this effort by providing tools and devices designed to monitor and manage blood pressure more efficiently.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure. It is a condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels in the arteries. There are two main types: primary hypertension, which develops gradually over time without a known cause, and secondary hypertension, which is a result of another underlying health issue, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders. Common causes and risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and genetic predisposition. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and damage to the arteries, significantly impacting overall health and quality of life.
Hypertension Management
Blood Pressure Monitors
There are three main types of blood pressure monitors:
- Manual Blood Pressure Monitors require the user to inflate the cuff using a bulb and listen for heartbeats with a stethoscope, providing a hands-on approach to measuring blood pressure. A Digital Stethoscope could also be used to enhance heart and lung sound clarity for better monitoring.
- Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors inflate the cuff automatically and display readings digitally, making them easier to use and ideal for home monitoring without additional equipment. A variety of these monitors also have a connected app to track data over time.
- Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors are compact, portable devices designed to measure blood pressure at the wrist, making them convenient for on-the-go use. It’s important to position the wrist at heart level for accurate results.
Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. It’s crucial to know how to accurately measure your blood pressure and interpret the results. Here’s a helpful video that explains how to use an automatic blood pressure monitor correctly and understand your readings.
Wearable Devices
Blood Pressure Watches are convenient for monitoring blood pressure levels throughout the day, providing users with real-time insights into their cardiovascular health. By tracking fluctuations over time, these wearable devices can help individuals manage hypertension more effectively
ECG wearable watches provide the convenience of continuous heart monitoring, allowing users to track their heart health in real time and effortlessly share data with healthcare providers. While these devices may not deliver the same level of accuracy as traditional ECG machines, they can still play a valuable role in identifying potential heart issues. Many smartwatches now come equipped with built-in ECG monitors, and The Wearify blog has curated a list of the best smartwatches featuring this technology.
Tech-Savvy Tools
The Cardi Health App helps users manage their heart health by offering features like real-time tracking of heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings. Users can log daily activities, track medication use, and set personal health goals. The app also provides helpful resources about heart health and allows users to create reports to share with doctors for better discussions about their health. Additionally, it offers tips on diet, exercise, and stress management to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Telehealth for hypertension allows patients to consult healthcare providers remotely, making it easier to manage blood pressure without needing to visit a clinic. PlushCare offers virtual appointments with licensed doctors who can evaluate patients, provide prescriptions, and give personalized advice on lifestyle changes and medication management, all from the comfort of home. The membership fee is $19.99 per month, which includes a copay for each visit if you have eligible insurance. For those without insurance, the cost is $129 per visit.
The Hello Heart App seamlessly connects with a free at-home blood pressure cuff and utilizes AI to provide personalized health coaching. It enables users to track their blood pressure, medications, and physical activity, delivering real-time insights to help lower blood pressure. In a recent study on digital therapy for hypertension, published in JAMA Network Open, tracked 28,000 Hello Heart users over three years. The findings revealed that 84% of users with stage 2 hypertension experienced significant improvements during this period.
Recent studies on AI-based apps show mostly positive results, highlighting their benefits for health management. It’s exciting to see how these advancements are changing healthcare.
Medication Management
Many modern pill organizers come with built-in reminders, providing both convenience and peace of mind. An Atomatic Stopwatch Pill Bottle Cap is a pill bottle that displays the last time the pill bottle was opened in hours and minutes. Smart Pill Dispensers track medication usage and remind individuals to take their doses. The Pill Popper Medication Tracker is a compact and portable memory aid that attaches to your pill container, featuring buttons to remind you to take your medications daily. By using medication reminders, you can reduce the risk of complications and improve your treatment outcomes.
Power Through Health
Zuron AI mission is to gamify exercise, making workouts more engaging and fun. By turning fitness routines into challenges, individuals can others or play by themselves. This innovative approach encourages a consistent exercise habit while promoting overall wellness.
The Eating Well website features a blog titled “30 Days of Healthy Recipes for High Blood Pressure,” providing a helpful resource for those managing hypertension. This collection includes tasty and nutritious recipes that focus on heart-healthy ingredients, making it easier for users to improve their diets and support their health.
A Smart Water Bottle is designed to help you stay hydrated by reminding you to drink water throughout the day. When it’s time to hydrate, the bottle makes a gentle noise so you don’t forget to take a sip throughout the day. The e-Pill Smart Water Bottle combines a pill organizer and medicine reminder, making it easy to stay hydrated and never miss your medication.
From advanced blood pressure monitors to mobile apps and wearable devices, AT can help individuals track their readings, adhere to treatment plans, and make informed decisions about their health. This technology is especially crucial for managing chronic conditions because it enhances comfort and quality of life. The Where It’s AT team has also published blogs on AT Solutions for Diabetes Management and AT Solutions for Arthritis Management, exploring the benefits of assistive tech in health management.
