Pharmacists and community health workers are most successful in hypertension interventions, according to a study from researchers at New Orleans-based Tulane University.
The study, published July 19 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, examined data from 100 hypertension trials, focusing on blood pressure reductions and the healthcare professionals who led the interventions.
Hypertension, diagnosed at 130/80 mmHg and higher, affects 3 in 10 adults worldwide, the study noted.
Interventions led by pharmacists were the most successful, on average producing a 7.3 mmHg systolic blood pressure drop. Interventions by community health workers on average saw a 7.1 mmHg reduction.
Interventions led by nurses and physicians trailed, with reductions of 3.0 and 2.4, respectively.
The findings also suggest time constraints play a role in interventions.
"Blood pressure can require more time to manage than is often available in primary care visits," study lead author Katherine Mills, PhD, vice chair of epidemiology at Tulane's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, said in a July 19 news release. "Having someone lead an effort who doesn't have the same time constraints may be the most effective approach."
Pharmacists are experienced in finding the right combination and dosage of medication, and community health workers tend to have stronger trust and cultural ties with patients, contributing to their success with interventions, the study said.