Community Health Worker Coaching for Hypertension After Pregnancy

(HERHEART Trial)

This trial aims to determine if the Enhanced Care Group program helps women who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy better manage their health. The program combines remote blood pressure monitoring with support from a community health worker to improve heart health, enhance mental well-being, and reduce hospital visits. Women who are around 28 weeks pregnant, have high blood pressure, and plan to deliver at Prisma Health-Midlands Hospital might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions that could benefit future mothers.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that community health workers (CHWs) effectively support women after pregnancy and are generally well-received. In studies on postpartum care, CHWs improve patient satisfaction and information levels. They assist with blood pressure monitoring, crucial for women who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy. One study found this method practical and promising for safely aiding women after childbirth.

Researchers are excited about the Community Health Worker Coaching for Hypertension After Pregnancy because it combines remote blood pressure monitoring with a community health worker (CHW)-led lifestyle program. Unlike traditional treatments that often rely solely on medication to manage blood pressure, this approach emphasizes personalized coaching and lifestyle changes, which can be more sustainable and empowering for new mothers. By integrating technology with human support, this method aims to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular issues.

Research has shown that a new program, which combines home blood pressure monitoring with a lifestyle program led by a community health worker, may help women manage high blood pressure after pregnancy. In this trial, participants in the Enhanced Care Group will receive this combined approach. Early results from a study with the first 30 participants showed that their systolic blood pressure dropped by an average of 8.03 mmHg from the start to the follow-up. Community health workers can also enhance understanding and satisfaction with blood pressure monitoring. This suggests that including a community health worker on the care team could improve blood pressure control and heart health for women after giving birth.²³⁴⁶⁷