Supporting heart health throughout life

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. Research to improve cardiovascular health is critical for reducing the human and financial toll on our patients and communities.

Our studies in cardiovascular health involve many populations including children, pregnant people and adults. Our clinical studies of cardiac imaging, valvular disease and cardiac electrophysiology are informing approaches to care. Our hypertension research program is also well established. We have participated in several landmark multicenter trials funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to understand risk factors and optimize treatment for hypertension. With nearly half of adults living with hypertension, innovative approaches to identify and treat hypertension, such as through remote blood pressure monitoring, are critical.

Investigators

Key projects

Improving recognition and management of hypertension in youth in a large rural health system

Addressing cardiovascular risk early can have a profound impact on lives. That’s why we are working to adapt an existing, effective clinical decision support (CDS) tool. It will be used in Essentia Health, which serves a rural population, to advance implementation science and address a critical need for youth at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Home Blood Pressure Outcomes Evaluation Study (HOMESTEAD)

There are critical gaps in knowledge of the effectiveness of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM). By evaluating its real-world impact in a diverse population of U.S. veterans from across the country, we’ll learn more about closing those gaps. We will examine the association of HBPM and clinical events; the effect of HBPM on blood pressure and hypertension treatment; and assess correlates of HBPM use in routine practice.

A team-based and technology-driven adherence intervention to improve chronic disease outcomes

Medications can improve the health and well-being of people with cardiovascular disease. Nonadherence to prescribed treatment, however, can be a significant barrier to better health. Our research addresses this challenge through the following aims. First, to identify and address nonadherence for adults with chronic diseases, specifically for cardiovascular risk factors. Second, to improve management of previously uncontrolled blood pressure, blood sugar and lipid disorders. Third, to increase patient involvement in medication decision making.

Health trends across communities in Minnesota

The Minnesota Electronic Health Record (EHR) Consortium is a partnership with local public health agencies to conduct surveillance of chronic diseases in Minnesota. Conditions include hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease. Consortium sites, including HealthPartners Institute, contribute data quarterly on chronic health conditions by sociodemographic characteristics and census tract level. This data informs decisions about health policy and practice across Minnesota.

Methods for evaluating the cardiovascular benefits and safety of glucose-lowering therapies in adults with diabetes (DM-CER)

Glucose-lowering agents have the potential to improve the lives of people with type 2 diabetes. To understand that potential, we need to understand the impact. We are examining clinical data from 1.3 million adults with treated type 2 diabetes. This allows us to quantify the impact of specific combinations of glucose-lowering agents on myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, total mortality and congestive heart failure hospitalizations.

Health Care Homes Minnesota Care Coordination Effectiveness Study (MNCARES)

In collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health and MN Community Measurement, we were awarded $4 million from the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute to study the effect of care coordination on patient outcomes. We will compare two approaches to care coordination for patients with high health care costs and multiple morbidities. The goal is to learn what approaches produce the best care quality, utilization and patient-centered outcomes.

Key publications

Learn more about our Cardiovascular Health investigators and their publications by visiting Knowledge Exchange.

Cardiovascular health