In the United States, every 40 seconds – someone suffers a stroke. Shockingly, every four minutes, a stroke claims a life. With over 795,000 deaths annually, stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality. These aren’t just stats; they are lives— highlighting the urgent need for increased stroke awareness and prevention.
Understanding Risk Factors and Prevention
Some of the leading risk factors for stroke include age, family history, lifestyle choices, and ethnicity. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are among the most common causes of stroke. Yet, surprisingly, many of the contributing factors that lead to stroke are avoidable.
In fact, about 80% of strokes are preventable, often through simple lifestyle adjustments. The most effective stroke prevention can start with adopting a healthier lifestyle, diet, avoiding stress, and exercising. Other key components of stroke prevention include blood pressure control and hypertension treatment which have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Unlocking the Power of Preventative Care
The use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) has been proven to substantially improve blood pressure control and hypertension management, two of the leading causes of stroke. Research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) demonstrates that RPM, coupled with pharmacist oversight, dramatically lowers blood pressure over an extended period, offering promising results for stroke prevention. Moreover, data from the AHA suggests that RPM may help lower heart attack and stroke rates by 50% compared to standard care.
In addition to improving blood pressure control and hypertension management, RPM has also been shown to address common issues that occur within the office-based setting, such as getting an accurate blood pressure reading. Research has shown that a significant number of patients experience elevated blood pressure when in a clinical setting, which can make hypertension more challenging to accurately diagnose. Inadequate measurement may also contribute to inaccurate office-based blood pressure readings. RPM addresses these challenges by providing:
- More frequent blood pressure monitoring over extended periods can provide a more accurate assessment of a patient’s blood pressure and risk of potential cardiovascular events.
- Better access to regular blood pressure readings so providers can assess and adjust treatment, as necessary.
- More timely access to the effectiveness of treatment so providers can prompt earlier changes in therapy to get blood pressure under control faster.
The Cost-Effectiveness of RPM
In addition to clinical benefits, RPM can also offer significant cost-saving benefits. A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that remote monitoring could lead to 87% fewer hospitalizations, 77% fewer deaths, and substantial cost savings per patient. By incorporating RPM into preventative care strategies, healthcare providers can remotely monitor patients’ vitals and health metrics between visits, enabling timely interventions and adjustments to treatment plans.
Empowering Patients, Enhancing Care
Ultimately, RPM isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering patients and enhancing care outcomes. Patients feel more supported and engaged in their health journey, leading to better adherence to treatment plans. The ripple effect is profound – better care, fewer adverse events, and healthier, happier patients. By harnessing the power of remote monitoring, healthcare providers can support better hypertension management and stroke prevention while delivering enhanced patient care.