Machine Learning Study Aims to Improve Hypertension Treatment

Since June is Men’s Health Month, it is important to address the risk of hypertension. Hypertension is a condition where a person’s blood pressure is higher than usual. Hypertension puts people at risk for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 691,095 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to hypertension in 2021. Men are at an even greater risk for hypertension than women. 

A recent study demonstrates a machine learning technique that can identify patients who would benefit the most from hypertension treatment. This new tool, known as “casual forest,” can determine the effectiveness of interventions and treatments for a patient based on their characteristics rather than assuming only high-risk patients require the most clinical attention. 

Click here to learn more about hypertension from the CDC.

How to Measure Your Blood Pressure

It is important to know your health status. There are ways you can track your heart health statistics on your own. Watch the video below to learn how to measure your blood pressure.

The illustration below shows healthy and unhealthy blood pressure ranges and the stages of hypertension according to how high your readings are. It’s important to get an accurate blood pressure reading to examine your heart disease and stroke risk.