Technology, virtual doctor oversight 'significantly' lowers high blood pressure in new moms

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Researchers in the United Kingdom found technology paired with daily virtual doctor oversight can be a successful way to reduce high blood pressure in new mothers.

High blood pressure during pregnancy is dangerous for both the mother and baby. Years after delivery, the risk for heart attack and stroke is twice as high for these women compared to those who had normal blood pressure while pregnant.

The study published over the weekend in the Journal of the American Medical Association followed 220 women who had complicated pregnancies with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Before leaving the hospital, half of the group was given a wireless blood pressure monitor to use once a day.

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Through an app, the daily results were sent to doctors who would then prescribe more medication, keep it the same or lower the dose.

The second half of the group had their blood pressure checked during usual, in-personal postnatal care visits.

After nine months, the women who used electronic blood pressure monitors had “significantly lower” blood pressure.

While the study was done in the UK, it could lead to more postpartum heart care in the U.S. In 2022, the American Heart Association’s Hypertension journal found infrequent doctors’ appointments after childbirth missed cases of high blood pressure in one in 10 new moms.

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