The impact of a Telehealth-based Behavioral Lifestyle Program on hypertension control in African American participants: results from the HEALS Med-Tech randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction The HEALS Med-Tech program offers a unique blend of lifestyle changes and technology to improve hypertension (HTN) management in African Americans (AAs), a group disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods A randomized controlled trial compared HEALS Med-Tech against usual care for uncontrolled hypertension in AAs, focusing on diet, medication adherence, and telehealth. Results In a study of 61 participants, HEALS Med-Tech significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by 12.95 mm Hg (p = 0.008) and 9.19 mm Hg (p = 0.013) at 3 and 12 months, respectively, demonstrating improved hypertension control. Conclusions HEALS Med-Tech demonstrates potential in HTN management for AAs, advocating for culturally tailored, tech-integrated healthcare expansion.

Keywords

• hypertension
• african americans
• behavioral lifestyle intervention
• telehealth
• heals med-tech