Blood Pressure Hypertension Trial

Improving Blood Pressure Control in African-American Patients
	Sponsor
		Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Fund
	Research Investigator
		Kathleen Hall, MD, Hennepin County Medical Center
	Berman Center Site Coordinator
		Sandra Graham, RN 612-341-7923
	Description
		This is a pilot study. It will test a method that may be effective in helping achieve better blood pressure control.
	Role of the Berman Center
		A nurse practitioner will visit patients in their homes and teach them how to use a home blood pressure monitor. The readings will be sent by telephone to the study doctors and nurses. The nurse practitioner will then track the home blood pressure readings. With the help of the study doctors she will make changes to the patient's blood pressure medications to bring the blood pressure below the goal.
	Basic enrollment information
		This study is no longer enrolling participants. Inclusion criteria include men and women 18 years and older, blood pressure >140/90 or 130/80 if diabetic, English speaking, land line telephone. Exclusion criteria include angina, heart bypass, heart attack within the last 3 months, or stroke, kidney failure, non-African-American, pregnant. Participants will make one screening visit at the Berman Center. Blood pressure self-monitoring at home 1 to 5 times a week. Telephone visits with the Nurse Practitioner every 2-4 weeks. Final visit at the Berman Center.
	Abstract
		Many people who have high blood pressure do not have it controlled to low enough levels. This project will enroll 50 people with uncontrolled blood pressure and follow them for six months. Each participant will check their blood pressure at home and send it once a week to the nurse practitioner through the telephone. There is no cost except for the drugs to control the blood pressure. The nurse practitioner will prescribe low cost drugs whenever possible. The prescribed drugs are FDA approved to control high blood pressure. Participants will need to pay for regular doctor office visits also. The blood pressure monitor and nurse practitioner visits will be free.