Project Summary:
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern nationwide affecting millions of individuals living and working in Wisconsin and posing a considerable burden on our community and academic healthcare systems. It is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, as well as other complications such as kidney disease and cognitive decline. Despite the availability of inexpensive and effective treatments (e.g., metoprolol costs ~ $0.10 / pill), hypertension control remains suboptimal around the state, leading to preventable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
It has been estimated that 1.4 million adults live with hypertension in Wisconsin; of these, less than half have achieved blood pressure control. Of the 54% of Wisconsinites with uncontrolled hypertension, 44% are receiving treatment but have not achieved control, 40% are unaware that they have hypertension, and 16% are aware that they have hypertension but are not receiving treatment. Collectively, three-quarters of a million Wisconsin adults (756,000) have uncontrolled hypertension, putting them at increased risk of stroke, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and premature death.
This project aims to support the process of planning and implementation of a strategy to address the pressing need for improved hypertension control throughout the state by developing a community engaged comprehensive approach to elevate innovative interventions and creative solutions for effective system-level changes that result in measurable population-level health improvement. This approach is intended to empower healthcare providers and other care team members as well as public health workers to enhance access to care; promote lifestyle modifications; and leverage technology to optimize blood pressure management. Ultimately, investing in hypertension control will not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to reducing the societal and economic burden associated with cardiovascular diseases across Wisconsin.