Internet-Based Strategic Transdisciplinary Approach To Risk Reduction And Treatment

I-START: Internet-based Strategic Transdisciplinay Approach to Risk Reduction And Treatment

I-START is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based program of behavioural counseling for adaptive lifestyle change to subjects diagnosed with hypertension. I-START will be evaluated using objective outcome indices: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and markers of vagal-heart rate (HR) modulation and baroreflex sensitivity. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada "Blood Pressure Action Plan(TM)" (BPAP) will be adminisered over a 4-month period, and evaluated in a 2 (Intervention vs. Wait list Control) X 2 (Baseline vs. Post-Intervention) factorial design, blocking for 3 recruitment sites (Toronto, London, the Grey Bruce region of Ontario, Canada), and stratified for sex and age group (45-59, 60-74 years).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stage 1 OR Stage 2 hypertension
• 46 -74 years of age
• able to read & write English or French
• living in private residence

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Major psychiatric disorder (e.g. psychosis)
• Dependence on Alcohol or Drugs with in past year
• Diabetes >= 5 years