Tailored Drug Titration Using Artificial Intelligence

Nearly 34 million Americans have their blood pressure (BP) uncontrolled. Hypertension (HTN) claims 1000 deaths every day. Despite medication and life-style management, the cost of HTN associated hospitalizations had escalated to $113 billion in 2016, or 15% of all hospital costs, with >135 million Emergency Department (ED) visits.

Uncontrolled HTN for even a few weeks is associated with increased risk for acute cardiovascular (CVD) events [stroke, heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction (MI)] and death. Medication treatment optimization to BP goal reduces the incidence of stroke by 35-40%, HF by up to 64%, and MI by 15-25%.

optima-for-blood pressure [optima4BP] transforms the episodic and reactive nature of uncontrolled HTN pharmacological treatment management into a process that is continuous, proactive, and personalized. The innovation simulates the established clinical reasoning treatment decision process undertaken during a patient's visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Two or more blood pressure (BP) readings of ≥ 140/90 mmHg during UCSF primary care or cardiology office visits within the last 12 months
• Therapy with medications from at least 1 anti-HTN pharmacological agents at the time of the last office visit
• At least minimally "tech-savvy" defined as Ownership of a compatible smartphone and Ability to access the internet
• Active Electronic Health Record MyChart account

Exclusion criteria

• Home anti-HTN medication therapy doesn't match the electronic health record medication list
• Anti-HTN medication therapy changed within 30 days prior to enrollment
• Inability to operate a BP cuff
• Incompatible smartphone device (Galaxy S5 Android 5.0)
• Less than minimally "tech-savvy" defined as Inability to use the Internet
• Non-compliance with medical follow-up (>3 "no shows" in the previous 12 months)
• Planned coronary revascularization in the next 12 months
• Myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, cardiac or aortic surgery in the previous 90 days
• GFR < 30 (CKD stage IV/ V)
• Treating physician rules out the patient due to superseding health management concerns
• Treating physician rules out the patient due to other concerns