Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Center: University of California San Diego Health and University of California San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Location: This research study will be conducted virtually (no in-person visits)
Lead Researcher: Professor Sujit Dey, PhD
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the UCSD Human Research Protections Program (HRPP)

About the Study

High blood pressure (BP) is the largest epidemic ever known to mankind and affects 1 in 3 Americans (O’Brien, E. 2017). High blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease, which is the main cause of death in the United States. Current management for this condition includes medication and/or lifestyle interventions. However, this approach may be reactive rather than proactive.

This research study aims to develop a new digital blood pressure management service. This potential device takes a proactive and personalized approach by monitoring and analyzing lifestyle and blood pressure information. Specifically, this research study aims to learn which lifestyle factors (exercise, sleep, stress, diet, etc.) have the most impact on blood pressure. 

Why Participate? 

• Participants may be able to get the opportunity to try a new potential blood pressure management program tailored to their specific lifestyle.  
• Participants may experience improvements to their high blood pressure.
• Participants may contribute valuable information that may benefit others in the future. 
• Participants may receive the health information that will be collected as part of this research study.
• Participants will be compensated $125 in Visa gift cards for participating in this study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the study.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Adults aged 18-75 years old who have hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure is defined as a blood pressure reading between 130/80 and 150/100 mmHg
• Are currently not  taking blood pressure lowering medications. 
• Must own an Apple or Android smartphone.
• Must be able to commit to the study requirements for over approximately 6 months.

Key Study Details 

• Participants will be issued a wearable activity tracker (Samsung Galaxy Watch) and a blood pressure monitor (Omron Evolv/Omron Heartguide). They will be shown how to wear/use them to collect blood pressure readings, exercise and sleep information. Participants will also be asked to install the applications on their mobile phone and create an account.
• Participants will wear the tracker and obtain blood pressure readings twice a day for 6 months. Participants will upload the information to a cloud server by syncing the device with their phone app, the study team can explain further on this. Participants will also answer simple diet and wellbeing questions through a mobile questionnaire application daily. 
• At the end of the 6-month period, participants must return the activity tracker and blood pressure monitor.  Upon returning the devices, they will receive the monetary incentive of $125 as a gift card.

About the Research Center:

University of California San Diego Health
The University of California San Diego Health aims to deliver outstanding patient care through commitment to the community, groundbreaking research and inspired teaching. UC San Diego Health serves local and regional communities by forming strategic alliances and strong partnerships to help and educate others. Our work often focuses on outreach to underserved communities and members of health disparity groups.

University of California San Diego School of Engineering
The UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering is a top-9 engineering school set apart by our entrepreneurial culture and education programs that integrate fundamentals with real-world applications. We know how to collaborate across labs, disciplines and industries to solve the toughest problems facing society

Please note:

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study team would like to note the following:

• This study will be conducted through remote means which allows you to participate in the comfort of your own home. 
• There will be no in-person visits or clinic appointments in this study.
• There is no need to have close interactions with any person.