MONTICELLO, Ark. – Mainline Health Systems Inc. (MHSI) has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure (BP) control rates, earning GOLD PLUS status level recognition as part of the Target: BP™ initiative.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable death in the U.S. There are approximately 121.5 million U.S. adults living with hypertension. The is nearly half of all adults in the country. Unfortunately, less than half of them have their BP under control, making both diagnosis and effective management critical.[1] In the U.S., heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, respectively, and stroke is a leading cause of disability.
The goal of the program:
Target: BP™ is a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association aimed at reducing the number of adult patients with uncontrolled BP through evidence-based quality improvement.
Gold+ award level recognition—which requires BP control rates of greater than or equal to 70%.
The purpose of the program:
Through our continued efforts to help ensure all people have access to quality health care and all physicians have the support they need to control high blood pressure; we will be able to greatly reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and improve health outcomes for patients across the nation.”
Target: BP helps health care organizations work to improve BP control rates using the evidence-based AMA MAP BP™ framework (Measure Accurately; Act Rapidly; and Partner with Patients), and recognizes organizations committed to improving BP control.
“Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for adults in the U.S.,” said Jeni Barham, Chief Quality Officer. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly.”
Target: BP is a national collaboration between the American Heart Association and American Medical Association aimed at reducing the number of adults in the U.S. who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates using evidence-based protocols and recognizes Mainline Health System’s commitment to improving hypertension control.
“By committing to helping more people in Southeast Arkansas control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, Mainline Health Systems Inc. is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Howard Haft, M.D., MMM, CPE, FACPE, volunteer expert for the AHA and executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program, in Baltimore. MHSI’s participation in the Target: BP initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”
Learn more at TargetBP.org.