# Comparing the value of intensive systolic blood pressure treatment implementation strategies

> **NIH NIH K01** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $141,750

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Hypertension (HTN), which affects nearly 80 million U.S. adults and costs society approximately $80 billion
annually, is the leading modifiable cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Current guidelines recommend a
standard systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment goal of <140 mmHg in most patients. The Systolic Blood
Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed a 25% reduction in CVD events with intensive SBP treatment
(<120 mmHg) in high CVD risk adults. However, intensive SBP treatment likely requires additional health
care resources and practice changes so it will be challenging to implement in real-world settings.
This project proposes to: (1) build and validate a “hybrid” hypertension treatment simulation model to
determine the cost-effectiveness of intensive SBP treatment in a population-based sample of SPRINT-eligible
U.S. adults, (2) incorporate local data from diverse health systems into the hybrid blood pressure model to
compare the cost-effectiveness of intensive SBP treatment implementation strategies, (3) engage local
stakeholders in study design and communication strategies, and (4) disseminate results to local and national
stakeholders to optimize intensive SBP treatment implementation. The central hypothesis is that intensive
SBP treatment implementation in health systems will be feasible and cost-effective in high CVD risk
patients compared to standard treatment even when considering local implementation factors.
Most past research using computer simulation methods generates “average” national population estimates and
the models are often considered opaque “black boxes” by decision makers. This project is innovative as it
applies simulation methods to the local health system level, using local patient data, and engages local
stakeholders to address practical implementation barriers and facilitators. For intensive SBP treatment,
this may result in more efficient and safer implementation, while also reducing the burden of CVD attributed to
raised SBP.
My career goal is to become a principal investigator and expert focused on the use of computer simulations to
improve healthcare delivery, quality, and population health. The proposed career development plan will
provide training and mentorship in: (1) advanced computer simulation methods; (2) analysis of
individual-level data from clinical trials, observational cohorts, national surveys, and health systems;
(3) qualitative methods; and (4) dissemination and communication of computer simulation research
results. This training will be achieved through coursework, hands-on experience, and active mentoring. The
mentoring team is comprised of nationally recognized experts in hypertension, clinical trials, computer
simulation, cost-effectiveness analysis, epidemiology, qualitative methods, and dissemination.!The University
of Utah provides an ideal research environment for my transition to independence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10074151
- **Project number:** 5K01HL140170-04
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Brandon K Bellows
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $141,750
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-01-15 → 2022-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10074151

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10074151, Comparing the value of intensive systolic blood pressure treatment implementation strategies (5K01HL140170-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10074151. Licensed CC0.

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