Community health workers take on hypertension: a culturally grounded trial

This trial tests whether a community health worker-led education program, called Heart Health and Nutrition for Life (HHNL), can help people with high blood pressure lower their numbers. The program covers healthy eating, physical activity, medication adherence, stress reduction, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, all delivered with cultural sensitivity. About 240 patients from First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque will be split into two groups: one receives the education plus standard care and blood pressure self-monitoring, while the other gets standard care and self-monitoring alone. After six months, the groups switch so everyone receives the education. Researchers will track blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar, and emotional well-being over a year to see if this community-rooted approach improves outcomes more than standard care alone.