Study: AI health coach could lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension

A new study in JMIR Cardio, published by JMIR Publications, shows that a fully digital, AI-driven lifestyle coaching program can effectively reduce blood pressure (BP) in adults with hypertension.

This AI-based program leverages data from wearable activity trackers and BP monitors as well as a mobile app questionnaire to tailor lifestyle guidance. The research team, led by Jared Leitner of the University of California, San Diego, used this innovative intervention to help manage hypertension and enhance patient engagement, offering a promising alternative to traditional coaching models.

How did it work?

The researchers employed a single-arm nonrandomized trial to evaluate the effects of the program's personalized lifestyle guidance, which was delivered to 141 participants through text messages (SMA) and a mobile app. Over 24 weeks, participants with stage 2 hypertension showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic BP.

At 12 weeks, systolic BP decreased by an average of 9.6 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 5.7 mm Hg. These reductions were even more pronounced at 24 weeks, with systolic BP dropping by 14.2 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 8.1 mm Hg.

This precision coaching program increased the number of participants achieving BP control and decreased the number of participants with stage 2 hypertension. The study also highlighted high participant engagement and minimal need for manual clinician outreach.

This indicates that the AI-driven approach enhances BP control and substantially reduces the workload for healthcare providers.

On the record

"By pinpointing the top lifestyle contributors to patients' hypertension and providing precise guidance, the AI-powered lifestyle coaching was able to maintain high patient engagement leading to improved patient outcomes. This study demonstrates how an AI-based, autonomous approach to hypertension-related lifestyle coaching can increase scalability and accessibility to effective blood pressure management," remarked Dr. Leitner.

Conclusion

Home blood pressure monitoring with lifestyle coaching effectively manages hypertension and reduces cardiovascular risk. However, traditional manual lifestyle coaching models significantly limit availability due to high operating costs and personnel requirements. Furthermore, the lack of patient lifestyle monitoring and clinician time constraints can prevent personalized coaching on lifestyle modifications.

This research showed that AI-powered, digital health intervention can address these challenges and transform hypertension management with scalable, cost-effective, and personalized care options for patients.