PCOT Blood Pressure Study
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Health are doing a study to improve brain health and memory in adults by reducing blood pressure.
For Participants
- Purpose of the Study
Currently, we do not know if managing high blood pressure can help reduce memory loss and improve brain health. For this reason we may assign you to upload your readings to the electronic health record based on randomization. Randomization means the group you are assigned to is by chance, like the flip of a coin. Your chance of being in the group that uploads your readings to the electronic health record or doesn't is completely equal. Regardless of the group you will still take your monthly blood pressure readings and complete the cognitive assessments.
- Can I Participate?
Individuals may qualify for the PCOT study if they meet all the following criteria:
- 70 years of age or above
- Have high blood pressure
- Willing to monitor home blood pressure for up to four years and complete a brief cognitive assessment annually over the phone.
- Have a primary care physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center or Parkland Health and Hospital System at the time of screening
- Clinic visit with primary care provider within the last 24 months
- Ability to write and speak English or Spanish
- Ability to understand and willingness to provide informed consent
- Owns a smartphone
- Why Me?
Participants are asked to join in this study because they have received primary care at UT Southwestern Medical Center or Parkland Health in the last 2 years, are 70 years of age or older, and speak English/Spanish. Participants must have a smartphone for this study since it is virtual and does not require in-person visits.
- What is Involved in the Study?
This study will last up to four years, and if at any point you do not want to continue participating, you may leave the study. We expect 4,000 people to be enrolled. You will be asked to complete a brief brain health assessment over the phone each year. Then, we will send you an OMRON home blood pressure monitor to measure your blood pressure at home. We ask that you take your blood pressure twice a day for one week every month.
- How will the Study be Beneficial?
You will receive an Omron blood pressure monitor free of charge.
We will gather blood pressure readings uploaded from a provided monitor each month. We may use these readings to provide recommendations to your doctor or care team for managing your blood pressure. It will not cost anything to participate, and participation in research is voluntary. Your care received at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Health will not change or be impacted.
Study Physicians
Professor of Psychiatry
Study Team
Venkatraghavan Sundaram, M.Pharm, Ph.D.
Manager Research Program
Ashley Murillo, BSN, RN
Research Nurse
Brooke Bates
Research Technician II
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the make and model of the blood pressure monitor used in the study?
For this study we use Omron’s 5 Series® Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor - model 7250. The study participants receive a free blood pressure monitor.
- My blood pressure monitor cuff does not fit me. What should I do?
Our standard cuff covers wide range of arm circumferences between 9-17 inches, if your arm is larger than 17 inches, please contact us. We will replace it with different monitor. For a small arm, Blood Pressure Monitors & Cuffs | Monitor at Home & Remotely | OMRON (omronhealthcare.com) and choose the cuff that is compatible to model 7250. It is important to know we cannot mix and match cuffs from different models even if it is an OMRON brand, so we need to be as specific as possible.
- My blood pressure monitor is not working, is disconnected, or does not show readings. What should I do?
Please follow the instructions for the blood pressure monitor setup. In case you need additional help contact the study team by leaving a message at (214) 648-2968 or pcot@utsouthwestern.edu us
- How often do I take my blood pressure readings?
For seven days each month, you will take your blood pressure readings two times in the AM with a one-minute break in between, and two times in the PM with a one-minute break in between. The seven days do not have to be in a row, it just has to be seven days during each month.
- Can a friend or family member use the blood pressure monitor that you sent me?
Unfortunately, the blood pressure monitor can only be used by you. If someone else uses your blood pressure monitor, their readings will register as your readings in our system, causing us to receive inaccurate data.
- Can I take more than seven days of readings per month?
Absolutely! You can take as many readings as you would like, as long as you are taking at least seven days of readings per month.
- How do I charge my blood pressure monitor? The box did not come with a charging cable.
Before we send out your blood pressure monitors, our team members make sure to put fresh batteries in them. You do not have to charge your monitor. If the battery is low, you will have to replace the 4 AA batteries. The battery compartment is located underneath the monitor.
- The Omron app keeps telling me that my blood pressure readings are too high. Should I be concerned?
Unfortunately, we are unable to give you medical advice. If you are concerned about your blood pressure readings, please speak to your primary care physician or in case of medical emergency please dial 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
- Can I connect the blood pressure monitor to my tablet?
For our study, participants are required to connect their monitor to their smartphone.
- If my blood pressure readings did not go through to my Omron app, will my readings be lost?
The good thing about the Omron blood pressure monitor is that it can store up to 60 blood pressure readings. If your readings didn’t go through to your app, no problem! When you reconnect, all stored readings transfer to your app.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have additional questions, concerns, comments or complaints or you wish to report a problem which may be related to this study please contact us. If you have questions about using the monitor, contact our study line at (214) 648-2968.
For questions about your rights as a research participant, visit the Human Research Protection Program website.
Contact Us
PCOT@utsouthwestern.edu
Phone Number: 214-648-2968
Physical Address
5323 Harry Hines Blvd, H4.110
Suite HQ7.719
Dallas, TX 75390