Interesting family-based approach to lower BP

An open-label, cluster-randomised trial investigated the effectiveness of a multi-faceted, family-centred intervention to lower blood pressure (BP) in a broad population of individuals living in areas with limited healthcare access. If successful on a larger scale, such an approach could meaningfully reduce adverse cardiovascular events across high-risk populations.  

The Healthy Family Program (NCT06427096) was a multicentre, open-label, cluster-randomised controlled trial conducted in rural China (80 clusters; n=8,001) assessing the effectiveness of a family-centred, community-based BP-lowering intervention. “It is important to reduce cardiovascular risk among individuals with high-normal BP, since the increase in risk often begins in this group,” explained Prof. Jun Cai (Beijing Anzhen Hospital, China) [1].

Eligible villages had at least 200 permanent households, with families comprising at least 2 members, and individuals aged 40–80 years, regardless of BP levels or antihypertensive treatment. The intervention included the formation of a BP management team comprising family leaders, village leaders, and village doctors, along with regular BP monitoring using a structured algorithm. Additional components included educational sessions promoting healthy lifestyles, distribution of low-sodium cooking salt, organised physical exercise sessions, and antihypertensive medication for eligible participants. The primary endpoint was systolic BP at 6 months of follow-up. Participants in the control group received usual care without these interventions.

At 6 months, the mean systolic BP decreased by 6.1 mmHg in the intervention arm but increased by 5.1 mmHg in the control arm (delta -10.7; 95% CI -11.8 to -9.6), indicating a clear benefit of the intervention. Other BP outcomes, including diastolic BP and antihypertensive treatment rates, also favoured the intervention. “The effect was particularly pronounced in participants aged >65 years, those with a history of hypertension, or baseline systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or a diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg,” noted Prof. Cai.

“The study showed that the Healthy Family Program effectively reduces BP in a broad population of patients,” Prof. Cai concluded. “At a cost of approximately $30 per person, it represents an affordable and scalable strategy. Considering that a 5 mmHg reduction in BP is associated with a 10% reduction in major cardiovascular events, these findings have substantial public health implications.”

1. Cai J, et al. A family health instructor-led multifaceted intervention for blood pressure management in rural China: an open-label, cluster randomized trial (Healthy Family Program). AHA scientific sessions 2025, 7-10 November, New Orleans, LA, USA.

 Copyright ©2025 Medicom Medical Publishers



Posted on 5 December 2025