Withings Health Solutions

Expert insights from Dr. Alexander Blood, MD, MSc, FACC, Cardiologist and Associate Director, Accelerator for Clinical Transformation at Mass General Brigham, reveal how remote patient monitoring can overcome obstacles in hypertension management and elevate cardiovascular care. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major public health issue that can lead to severe, life-threatening complications if untreated. Often called the “silent killer” for its lack of symptoms, hypertension is one of the fastest-growing global health threats. “Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Yet nearly half of people with hypertension do not know they have it, ” explains Dr. Alexander Blood, MD, MSc, FACC, Cardiologist and Associate Director, Accelerator for Clinical Transformation at Mass General Brigham. “Untreated, hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and other serious health problems.” Advancements in Remote Patient Monitoring for Cardiovascular Care “Remote patient monitoring has transformed cardiovascular care by providing real-time access to critical patient data, helping detect arrhythmias, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues early, allowing for early and targeted interventions,” notes Dr. Blood. “The clinical value is immense, as it enhances our ability to tailor treatment plans, optimize medication management, and provide proactive care. This technology not only improves patient outcomes but also streamlines workflows and fosters a collaborative approach to patient management.” Beyond these benefits, RPM empowers patients to actively participate in their care, supporting a more engaged and informed patient population. Challenges in Ensuring More Reliable Hypertension Monitoring Effective hypertension management requires accurate, consistent data—a challenge both at home and in clinical settings. Guidelines for reliable blood pressure readings require patients to rest for at least five minutes, avoid caffeine and physical activity beforehand, and sit with feet flat on the floor and arm supported at heart level. These standards are difficult to control outside a clinic, and home monitoring adds challenges from technique inconsistencies to potential distractions. “The ability to accurately monitor blood pressure at home has become increasingly critical as we manage chronic conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes outside of clinic visits,” says Dr. Blood. “The challenge has always been ensuring the data we receive is both reliable and meaningful. Small inaccuracies due to factors like insufficient rest or improper posture can create significant discrepancies in diagnosis and treatment, potentially compromising patient outcomes.” Given the sensitivity of blood pressure to technique, even minor inaccuracies can impact treatment decisions and outcomes. Barriers to Clinical Confidence in Home Blood Pressure Readings Clinicians frequently encounter obstacles in relying on home blood pressure data to inform treatment. Without standardized protocols, inconsistencies such as adherence to medications, timing, and context of readings can make it difficult to confidently base treatment on these measurements.  “There is a pressing need for technology  that provides precise readings and insights into the context of those readings,” says Dr. Blood. “By understanding the conditions surrounding blood pressure measurements—whether the patient is stressed, active, or not following proper procedure—clinicians can make more informed decisions, streamline care, and save valuable time for care teams.”  Additionally, operational challenges—including limited resources for managing abnormal readings and the lack of automated data flow into electronic health records (EHRs)—further complicate decision-making. According to the American Heart Association, establishing clinical protocols and validated devices for home monitoring could enhance data consistency and build clinical confidence in home readings. Building Scalable, Patient-Friendly Solutions For effective remote monitoring, patients need accessible devices, clear guidance on measurement techniques, and options to add context to measurements, particularly for readings outside typical ranges. Automated data sharing with EHRs is another critical feature, allowing clinicians to review and act on patient data seamlessly. As hypertension affects one in two adults in the U.S ., scalable, evidence-based monitoring protocols are vital to reducing cardiovascular complications and mortality. Establishing reliable, technology-driven frameworks for hypertension care is essential to managing this silent threat and empowering patients to manage their health accurately outside the clinic.