Media Release                                  January 18, 2007

High Blood Pressure Reduction/Treatment Launched

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is one of three Ontario sites to study the effects of an innovative internet strategy for patients with high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects one-in-five Grey Bruce residents and it is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart disease. The good news is high blood pressure can be controlled. This study will assist local participants in developing skills to manage their blood pressure. 

I-START, an “Internet-Based Strategic Transdisciplinary Approach to Risk Reduction and Treatment for High Blood Pressure”, is the first scientific trial to assess the effectiveness of an internet-based program to reduce high blood pressure. Lifestyle counselling is traditionally available in medical settings. I-START offers a unique opportunity for local participants to receive four months of behavioural counselling through the internet. “This program does not offer general information with a ‘one size fits all’ philosophy. It is interactive, and it provides personally tailored feedback and behavioural counselling to help each person begin or maintain heart healthy changes in diet, exercise, and smoke-free living,” said Dr. Rob Nolan, lead investigator for the research project.

As co-investigator, Dr. Hazel Lynn said I-START will overcome traditional barriers such as limited time, geographic distance or financial costs that often prevent individuals with high blood pressure from participating in behavioural counselling programs.  

To be eligible for the I-START study, participants need to be diagnosed with high blood pressure by a physician, be between the ages of 45-74, and have a computer with internet/e-mail access.  The study does not require participants to make any change in medications nor does it involve the testing of any new type of medication. Individuals require a brief assessment at the Grey Bruce Health Unit at the beginning and end of their program. The project runs until March 2008. To be assessed for eligibility, contact Research Coordinator Adriana Mechetiuc at e-mail: adriana.mechetiuc@uhn.on.ca 

This program is a collaborative research project involving the Grey Bruce Health Unit, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the University Health Network in Toronto, and the University of Western Ontario in London. The two additional research sites are in Toronto and London.  I-START is a cost-free scientific study funded by the Canadian Stroke Network. 

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For more information:

Lynda Bumstead,

Program Manager,

Grey Bruce Health Unit                                                         

519-376-9420 ext. 463 or 1-800-263-3456