A blood pressure management tool implemented across the University of California’s six academic medical centers has improved hypertension control and helped prevent serious health outcomes for thousands of patients, according to a study led by UC San Francisco published on Apr. 2.
The study is significant because high blood pressure affects nearly half of Americans and remains a leading cause of death, particularly in underserved communities. Hypertension can result in heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications.
The UC Way Hypertension Medication Algorithm raised blood pressure control rates from 68.5% to almost 74% among about 90,000 patients over two years ending in mid-2025. Lead author Sandeep P. Kishore, M.D., Ph.D., said, “This improvement amounts to about 4,860 people who now have controlled blood pressure, which translates to 72 strokes, 48 heart attacks, and 38 deaths averted.” He added that these were “real Californians who didn’t end up in an emergency room” or lose time with their families.
Developed by multidisciplinary teams including cardiologists and data scientists beginning in 2020, the tool uses a stepwise approach to medication adjustments while allowing for individual patient needs. It was rolled out systemwide at UC Health in 2023 as part of efforts to standardize care and address disparities across diverse populations.
The study found that the tool also improved hypertension control among Black patients—from 63.4% to 67.3%—though some disparities remained. Authors said this indicates more targeted interventions are needed for certain groups.
Kishore said similar approaches are being developed for diabetes at UC Health: “Similar efforts are now underway for diabetes at UC Health, and the approach may be tailored to other conditions in the future.” He concluded that “UC Health’s experience shows that with the right infrastructure and commitment, large complex health systems can improve blood pressure control and prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
