Family-Based Health Program in Rural China Shows Significant Blood Pressure Reduction

A family-focused health intervention program in rural China successfully reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mm Hg among adult participants, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025. The Healthy Family Program, conducted across 80 villages, demonstrated that community-based approaches involving family support systems can produce substantial cardiovascular health improvements. The six-month program involved approximately 8,001 adults aged 40-80 years and employed multiple strategies to lower blood pressure. Unlike traditional programs that focus solely on individuals with diagnosed hypertension, this intervention included all family members regardless of their blood pressure status.

Professor Xin Du, M.D., Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the study and director of the Center of Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, emphasized that most blood pressure programs focus on treatment for people with high blood pressure, whereas this study included the whole family regardless of their blood pressure levels. The program's implementation relied on training local health workers as family health instructors, who then trained one person from each household to become a family leader. These leaders were responsible for regularly monitoring family members' blood pressure using free monitoring devices provided through the program. Participants also received access to a smartphone app that provided automatic feedback on blood pressure readings and recommendations on when to seek medical care. Additional resources about blood pressure management are available through the American Heart Association.

A key component of the intervention was the distribution of free low-sodium, potassium-enriched salt substitutes to replace regular cooking salt. Family members were encouraged to follow diets prepared with these substitutes and participate in group exercises while monitoring their weight monthly. The family leaders and community health instructors worked collaboratively to promote healthy lifestyle habits through educational sessions covering salt reduction, weight management, physical exercise, and blood pressure control. Six months after the program concluded, researchers found that the average systolic blood pressure for people in participating villages remained 3.7 mm Hg lower compared to those who did not participate, indicating that participants maintained some of the healthy habits developed during the intervention.

Professor Du noted that in many cultures, families share the responsibility of caring for one another and promoting a healthy lifestyle. In this study, family leaders played a critical role in implementing the program by supporting a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits and legumes, and low in sodium, fat and sugar. The study's design involved specific protocols for blood pressure monitoring based on initial readings. Participants with readings of 160/100 mm Hg or higher were required to measure again the following day, while those with readings of 140-159/90-99 mm Hg were instructed to measure within one week. Individuals with normal blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg were advised to repeat measurements every three months. More information about cardiovascular research can be found in the American Heart Association's online program planner.

While the results are promising, researchers acknowledge several limitations. The study was conducted specifically in rural China, so additional research is needed to determine if similar outcomes would occur in other populations and healthcare systems. The six-month intervention period was insufficient to measure actual reductions in heart attacks, strokes, or deaths from heart disease. Some participants moved to cities for work during the study, potentially affecting results, and the program required local government support for implementation, which may be necessary for success in other communities. Professor Du suggested that this approach could transform how we prevent heart disease in communities worldwide. By involving entire families and communities rather than treating individuals, we can likely reduce everyone's risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in areas where health care resources are limited. The findings, while preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, offer important insights into scalable cardiovascular disease prevention strategies for rural and under-resourced populations globally.