Implementing self-measured blood pressure monitoring programs

Title : Implementing self-measured blood pressure monitoring programs

Abstract:

Relevance and Significance: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death among New Jerseyans¹. Strong empirical evidence illustrates the causation between high blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular diseases. As shown by America’s Health Rankings, 33.4% of New Jersey adults were diagnosed with hypertension in 2023². Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring is a strong evidence-based tool that empowers patients to take an active role in their health, through regular home screenings.
Program Summary: The National Cardiovascular Health Program supports Hope and Esperanza Community Health Center (HECHC) in the tracking, identification, management, and support of hypertensive patients. Using a team-based care approach, hypertensive and at-risk patients get their blood pressure measured by either a medical professional or a community health worker prior to the start of the lesson. The program is designed for adult individuals diagnosed with chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, respiratory disease, obesity, cancer, dementia, and diabetes. Participants met weekly over the course of six months (July 2024 - December 2025) to discuss evidence-based nutrition guidelines. Each topic includes 3-4 lessons, for a total of 10 topics, and 35 lessons.
Topics include: What is Nutrition, What are Chronic Diseases, The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining a Healthy Life, Nutrition and Obesity, Nutrition and Heart Disease and Hypertension, Nutrition and Diabetes, Nutrition and Cancer, Nutrition and Dementia, Nutrition and Respiratory Disease, and Principles of a Healthy Diet.
Program Evaluation: Success of this program is measured by class attendance, reduction in blood pressure readings, and/or maintenance of hypertension. As of December 2025, there was a total of 104 patients in the program, 59 hypertensive patients and 45 diabetic patients. Of the hypertensive patients, 70% showed improvement in blood pressure control.
Research-based: Self-measured blood pressure monitoring is an evidence-based tool championed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)³ and the American Heart Association (AHA)⁴. Adherence to an SMBP program has been linked in research to reduction of systolic and diastolic readings over time, increased health literacy, increased medication adherence, and improved overall health outcomes³.

Biography:

Naomi Kremen works in the Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke Prevention Program at the New Jersey Department of Health, where she supports initiatives aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes and reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke across the state. Her work focuses on public health strategies, data-driven approaches, and partnerships that promote prevention, health equity, and evidence-based interventions. Naomi collaborates with healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health professionals to advance cardiovascular disease prevention and management efforts. She is committed to strengthening population health through policy, education, and quality improvement initiatives that support healthier communities throughout New Jersey.