Examining the Individual Response to a Restricted Sodium Diet in Hypertensive Patients

Participants randomized to the experimental group will be asked to follow the modified Sodium Watchers Program intervention along with goal setting for low salt foods. Each participant will be registered to assign a unique ID in the Connected Health Platform developed by the Center on Smart and Connected Health Technologies at UT Health Science Center San Antonio and each account from the individuals' wireless and wearable devices (Fitbit and BP monitor) will be connected to his or her unique ID through this platform. Participants will be instructed to log their activities in real-time, including food intake and in-home BP monitoring using Fitbit and accompanied mobile app and BP monitor. Through the Connected Health Platform, the Fitbit app and BP monitor will transmit the data of the intervention group to the research team.

Participants randomized to the control group will be asked to follow usual care which is based on their routine medical and nursing care for hypertension that consists of a recommendation to follow a sodium-restricted diet and take medications as prescribed. The participants will receive wireless and wearable devices (Fitbit wristband, BP monitor). Each participant will be registered to assign a unique ID in the Connected Health Platform at the baseline and each account from the individual's wireless and wearable devices (Fitbit and BP monitor) will be connected to their unique ID through this platform. Participants will be instructed to log their activities in real-time, including food intake and in-home BP monitoring using Fitbit and accompanied mobile app and BP monitor.