A new study led by UC San Francisco reports that a blood pressure program used across the University of California’s six academic medical centers has improved hypertension control and prevented serious illness or death in thousands of patients, according to an April 2 announcement.
High blood pressure is a major health issue in the United States, affecting nearly half of adults and leading to conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and pregnancy complications. The new approach could have significant benefits for patient outcomes, especially among underserved populations.
The tool, called the UC Way Hypertension Medication Algorithm, increased blood pressure control from 68.5% to almost 74% among about 90,000 patients over two years. Lead author Sandeep P. Kishore said: “This improvement amounts to about 4,860 people who now have controlled blood pressure, which translates to 72 strokes, 48 heart attacks, and 38 deaths averted. These are real Californians who didn’t end up in an emergency room, didn’t have a disability, didn’t lose time with their families.”
Developed by teams including cardiologists and data scientists starting in 2020 and implemented systemwide in 2023, the algorithm uses a stepwise method for adjusting medication while allowing for individual patient needs. It is integrated into electronic health records at UC hospitals. In addition to medication adjustments, experts recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or tobacco use; limiting alcohol consumption; reducing sodium intake; exercising regularly; maintaining a healthy weight; eating well; and using at-home monitors.
The program also addressed disparities among different populations. For example, it raised hypertension control rates for Black patients from 63.4% to 67.3%. However, differences remain between groups—a challenge that researchers say will require more targeted interventions.
Looking ahead, Kishore said: “Similar efforts are now underway for diabetes at UC Health… The challenge isn’t the science — we know how to control blood pressure,” he added. “This is all about having a system-wide focus that actually moves the needle.”
