Use of a remote, algorithm-based cardiovascular risk management program may improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels, according to results of a study looking at digital care transformation presented Nov. 17 during AHA 2020 and simultaneously published in Circulation.

Benjamin M. Scirica, MD, MPH, FACC, et al., enrolled 5,000 patients between Jan. 1, 2018 and May 21, 2020, within the Mass General Brigham health system with uncontrolled LDL-C and/or blood pressure to a remotely-delivered, algorithmically-driven disease management program. The program utilized navigators and pharmacists, supported by specialists, to initiate and titrate medications at preset intervals until treatment goals were achieved.

Among the 3,939 patients enrolled in the cholesterol program, 35% had established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); 25% had diabetes but no ASCVD; and 32% had LDL-C >190 mg/dL.

Results showed that LCL-C reduction of 24 mg/dl (18%) occurred in all patients enrolled, and for those who completed the titration phase of the program, an LDL-C reduction of 52 mg/dl (42%) occurred.

Among the 1,437 patients enrolled in the blood pressure program, there was an average systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction compared to baseline of 14mmHg and 6mmHg, respectively.

"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," Scirica et al., conclude.

Clinical Topics: Dyslipidemia, Prevention, Lipid Metabolism, Hypertension

Keywords: AHA Annual Scientific Sessions, AHA20, Lipids, Hypertension

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