Algorithm-driven digital program helped lower patients' cholesterol, blood pressure

November 17, 2020

DALLAS, Nov. 17, 2020 — Using a remotely-delivered, algorithm-driven program for disease management, patients experienced significant improvement in cholesterol and blood pressure levels, according to late-breaking research presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2020. The virtual meeting is Friday, November 13-Tuesday, November 17, 2020, and is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science for health care. The manuscript of this study is simultaneously published today in Circulation, the American Heart Association’s flagship journal.

Failure to appropriately treat hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) and hypertension (high blood pressure) remains an ongoing clinical challenge that increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular death. Using digital tools, clinicians at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, initiated and continue to conduct a remote, algorithmically driven, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension management program.

Between January of 2018 and May of 2020, researchers screened 18,810 patients and enrolled 5,000 patients into either the cholesterol program, the hypertension program – or both. Among the 3,939 patients enrolled in the cholesterol program, 35% had established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); 25% had diabetes but no ASCVD; and 31% had a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >190 mg/dL. Doctors, pharmacists and support specialists helped design these management programs to initiate and adjust the medication doses, also known as titration, to achieve maximum benefits for patients while minimizing clinically important side effects.

“To better control cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which are major cardiovascular risk factors, we need new end-to-end treatment solutions that improve patient identification, data collection, education and care delivery, including standardizing medication regimens. We are redefining treatment pathways to address persistent gaps in health care, overcome clinical inertia and address the problems of limited access to physicians by expanding remotely-delivered care,” says the study’s lead author Benjamin M. Scirica, M.D., M.P.H., a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and associate professor of medicine at the Harvard School of Medicine, both in Boston.

Using electronic health records and doctor referrals, the program identified people with uncontrolled LDL-C and/or high blood pressure. Patients received digitally connected blood pressure cuffs for use at home, and pharmacists and support staff used the clinical algorithms to initiate and titrate medications at preset intervals until treatment goals were achieved.

Results of the study include: “This is an effective and efficient strategy to care for high-risk yet undertreated patients and to optimize guideline-directed therapy. Specialized out-of-office treatment for cholesterol and blood pressure control reduces the need for in-person visits and allows for collaborative decision-making in-patient care. The results of our study provide a model for expanding remote health care delivery to increase access to care, to help reduce health inequities and to improve health care quality,” said Scirica.

Presentation:LBS.09 - High Tech or High Touch: Creative Strategies to Optimize Patient Care

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Co-authors are Christopher P. Cannon, M.D.; Naomi D.L. Fisher, M.D.; Thomas A. Gaziano, M.D. M.P.H.; David Zelle, B.A.; Kira Chaney, M.P.H.; Angela Miller, M.A.; Hunter Nichols, Pharm.D.; Lina Matta, Pharm.D., M.P.H.; William J. Gordon, M.D. M.B.I.; Shawn Murphy, M.D., Ph.D.; Kavi Wagholikar, M.D.; Jorge Plutzky, M.D.; and Calum A. MacRae, M.D., Ph.D.

No funding sources were reported for this study.  

Presentation: Session: LBS09 High Tech or High Touch: Creative Strategies to Optimize Patient Care

Additional Resources: Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers are available here, and the Association’s overall financial information is available here. 

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

American Heart Association

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