Every morning, Mr. Sharma, a 62-year-old retired teacher from Pune, sits at his dining table with a cup of tea and his trusted blood pressure monitor. He diligently records his readings in a worn-out notebook, a ritual he’s maintained for years. Despite his commitment, his hypertension remains uncontrolled, and his doctor is unable to help him manage it, in the absence of comprehensive data.

Sharma’s story mirrors that of millions of Indians who, despite recognising the importance of monitoring their blood pressure, rely on traditional methods that offer limited insights for treatment. World Hypertension Day on May 17th provides an opportunity to explore how technology can improve hypertension management, shifting from reactive to proactive care.

The Silent Epidemic

Hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer,” affects a significant portion of India’s population. Recent studies indicate that the overall prevalence of hypertension in India is 22.6per cent, with men (24.1per cent) having a higher prevalence rate than women (21.2per cent). The asymptomatic nature of the condition results in individuals remaining unaware until complications, such as heart disease or stroke, occur.

Many patients continue to use manual methods for tracking blood pressure, which lack the analytical depth required for effective management.

Digital Therapeutics: A New Frontier

Enter digital therapeutics (DTx)—evidence-based technological interventions, designed to prevent, manage, or treat medical disorders. DTx offers personalised guidance, real-time monitoring, and data-driven insights.

The HERB-DH1 trial, a phase III randomised controlled study, demonstrated the efficacy of DTx in managing hypertension. Participants using DTx combined with standard care experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to those receiving standard care alone.

In India, the integration of DTx into hypertension care can bridge gaps in treatment adherence, provide continuous patient engagement, and offer clinicians actionable data.

Harnessing AI for Predictive Care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) further amplifies the potential of digital health solutions. By analysing vast datasets, AI can identify patterns, predict health events, and offer personalised recommendations.

Recent studies have explored AI applications in blood pressure measurement, hypertension diagnosis, and management. These advancements suggest that AI can enhance the accuracy of BP measurements and assist in early detection and intervention.

For patients like Sharma, AI-driven platforms can transform daily readings into meaningful insights, alerting both patient and physician to potential risks before they escalate.

Empowering Patients and Clinicians

The synergy between patients, clinicians, and technology is pivotal. When patients consistently record their BP readings electronically, they contribute to a data pool that AI can analyse for trends and anomalies.

Clinicians, in turn, can access comprehensive patient profiles, enabling informed decision-making. This collaborative approach ensures timely interventions, personalised treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes.

Moreover, longitudinal BP monitoring can aid in predicting and preventing serious health events. For instance, fluctuations in blood pressure over time have been linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac death. A study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in 2024 found that individuals with the greatest variability in blood pressure faced up to a nearly 70 per cent greater risk for sudden cardiac death than those with more consistent readings.

The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) further underscores the benefits of intensive BP control. This large-scale, randomised controlled trial demonstrated that targeting a systolic BP of less than 120 mm Hg resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in major cardiovascular events and a 27 per cent reduction in all-cause mortality compared to standard treatment aiming for a systolic BP of less than 140 mm Hg. These findings highlight the importance of consistent and accurate BP monitoring over time. By maintaining longitudinal records, healthcare providers can detect patterns and make timely adjustments to treatment plans, thereby preventing complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Incorporating digital tools and AI-driven analytics into this process can transform routine BP measurements into proactive healthcare strategies, enabling early detection of potential risks and facilitating timely interventions.

Looking Ahead

Embracing digital therapeutics and AI offers a path toward proactive, personalised care. By moving beyond traditional methods and leveraging technology, we can empower patients, support clinicians, and ultimately, improve health outcomes.

Sharma’s daily routine, when augmented with digital tools, can evolve from a solitary task to a collaborative effort in managing his health. On this World Hypertension Day, let’s commit to integrating technology into our healthcare practices, ensuring a healthier future for all.

This authored article was first published in the BW Healthcare World on 17^th May 2025 on account of World Hypertension Day.