St. Joe’s recognized for effort to control blood pressure

The American Heart Association and American Medical Association bestowed Gold Plus-level recognition as part of the Target: BP initiative onto St. Joseph’s Health, for its commitment to improving blood pressure (BP) control rates. The Gold Plus award recognizes practices that demonstrate a commitment to measurement accuracy and in which high blood pressure is controlled in 70% or more of the affected adult patients.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S. There are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with hypertension. The is nearly half of all adults in the country.

“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 Russell Silverman, cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Health. “High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented if diagnosed early and managed effectively.”

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 St. Joseph’s commitment to improving hypertension control.

“By committing to helping more people in Central New York control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, St. Joseph’s Health is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said physician Howard Haft, volunteer expert for the AHA and executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program, in Baltimore. “St. Joseph’s participation in the Target: BP initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”