New blood pressure app gets readings to doctors, faster

Dr. Ian MacDonald is helping patients keep an eye on their blood pressure.

The Sudbury doctor is co-founder of Unboxed Health, which is launching a cloud-based app that gets blood pressure readings to doctors and nurse practitioners faster.

MacDonald says patients take their blood pressure at home and upload the results to the app. Their health provider can then access the information without the patients having to venture into a clinic or waiting room.

According to the Unboxed Health web site, the cloud service tracks average blood pressure over different time periods and determines whether target blood pressure has been achieved. The app displays progress towards the lower blood pressure goal to the patient.

"There are apps out there that take your blood pressure, there's no question about that, there's nothing new about that," MacDonald said. "What's different here is that those readings are not getting to where they need to be."

MacDonald says his company is looking for feedback from patients and doctors on the app.

"Once we get the feedback we need, we can start developing and modifying the solution to where we want it to be."

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MacDonald says the app also provides lifestyle recommendations, including tips on exercise and nutrition.

The app is currently being tested by patients and health care providers at the Nurse Practitioner Clinic in Sudbury as well as a family doctor's office.