Solbiate Arno

Researchers are evaluating blood pressure control in the community by analyzing 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) data collected from local pharmacies across Italy. This large observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study aims to understand how well blood pressure is managed outside of hospital or hypertension clinic settings and to assess the usefulness of involving pharmacists and telehealth technology in hypertension screening and control. The study collects data from community pharmacies that provide 24-hour or home blood pressure monitoring services under medical prescription and supervision. These pharmacies use a telemonitoring and telereporting system to gather and centralize blood pressure data. The service is offered according to local laws and hypertension guidelines, with tests prescribed by patients' general practitioners. Both untreated patients with suspected hypertension and patients receiving antihypertensive treatment are included. Participants undergo blood pressure monitoring through the pharmacy service, and their demographic and clinical data are recorded. Researchers analyze this information to evaluate blood pressure control rates and characterize control levels based on patient characteristics. The primary outcome measure is the rate of 24-hour blood pressure control over a 10-year period. The study emphasizes patient data protection and follows established health regulations throughout.