Hypertension: Improving Outcomes through Enrollment in a Walking Exercise Program

Hypertension is a major health care challenge. Uncontrolled hypertension is a huge
financial burden in the United States. Strict medication adherence and lifestyle modifications
such as incorporating a low sodium diet and increasing daily aerobic physical activity have
been proven to be effective in managing hypertension. However, uncontrollable
hypertension continues to be one of the most leading causes of cardiovascular disease and
death worldwide. When compared to other groups, Haitians have a higher disproportionate
risk of morbidity and mortality from chronic disease. The purpose of this quality
improvement project was to evaluate the effectiveness of physical activity through a walking
exercise program and hypertension self-management education on blood pressure in Haitian
adults aged 35 to 84 diagnosed with hypertension in the primary care setting. The project
was an 8-week online/remote walking exercise program designed to provide bi-weekly
hypertension self-management education sessions (moderate-intensity physical activity, low
salt diet management, and medication adherence teaching), weekly self-adjusted step goals,
and weekly one-on-one physical activity nurse counseling via telephone/video
teleconference. The study results showed that participants who were fully engaged in the
walking exercise program were able to manage their blood pressure by increasing their
physical activity level, adhering to a low sodium diet, and increasing medication adherence.