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UC Health Tool Boosts Blood Pressure Control
New program adopted across UC's medical centers lowers hypertension and prevents serious disease or death for thousands of patients.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:44am by Ben Kaplan
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A blood pressure program adopted across the University of California's six academic medical centers has lowered hypertension and prevented serious disease or death for thousands of patients, according to a new study led by UC San Francisco. The new tool, called the UC Way Hypertension Medication Algorithm, follows a stepwise approach to increasing medication types and doses, while allowing clinicians to adjust treatment for individual factors and special populations.
Why it matters
High blood pressure affects nearly half of Americans and is a leading cause of death, especially in underserved populations. It also can lead to heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, and pregnancy complications. This program aims to address these critical health issues across UC's large health system.
The details
The new tool improved blood pressure control from 68.5% to nearly 74% among 90,000 patients, including 11,500 at UCSF. 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. The tool was developed by multidisciplinary teams of UC Health experts and integrated into UC's electronic health records.
- The study lasted two years and ended in mid-2025.
- The UC Way tool was implemented systemwide in 2023.
The players
Sandeep P. Kishore
An internist and associate professor of medicine at UCSF who specializes in cardiometabolic health and the lead author of the study.
Heather E. Martin
A co-author of the study from UC Davis Health.
UC Health
One of the nation's largest public academic health systems with more than 9 million outpatient visits annually.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Sandeep P. Kishore, Internist and associate professor of medicine at UCSF
“The challenge isn't the science - we know how to control blood pressure. This is all about having a system-wide focus that actually moves the needle. 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.”
— Sandeep P. Kishore, Internist and associate professor of medicine at UCSF
What’s next
Similar efforts are now underway for diabetes at UC Heath, and the approach may be tailored to other conditions in the future.
The takeaway
This program demonstrates that with a comprehensive, system-wide approach, large healthcare organizations can make significant strides in improving blood pressure control and preventing serious health complications for their patients, especially those in underserved populations.
