A randomized controlled trial examined whether text messages could help manage hypertension in Swedish primary care patients. The study involved 401 adults who received four health-promoting text messages per week for six months. The control group received standard care. Researchers looked at metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors as the main outcomes.
The results showed that both groups reduced their number of risk factors over time. However, the text message group did not show better overall risk profiles compared to standard care. The study did not report any safety concerns or adverse events.
Significant improvements in risk factor control were found specifically among sedentary participants and those with poor self-rated health. The text message group also showed a modest reduction in HbA1c levels. Despite these specific gains, the overall effect on metabolic risk was limited. Readers should understand that while targeted groups may benefit, the intervention did not improve the overall risk profile for everyone compared to standard care.