MaineHealthLincoln Hospital (MHLH) has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure (BP) control rates, earning Gold+-level recognition as part of the Target: BP™  program. 

The Gold Plus achievement award recognizes practices that have demonstratedbest practices for BP measurement and treatment. Blood pressure must be controlled in at least 70% of affected adult patients as well. 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S. There are more than 122 million U.S. adults living with hypertension. That is nearly half of all adults in the country. Unfortunately, just a quarter of them have their BP under control, making both diagnosis and effective management critical. In the U.S., heart disease and stroke are the first and fifth causes of death, respectively, and stroke is a leading cause of disability. 

“High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke, which are the leading cause of death in the U.S.,’’MHLH Chief Medical Officer Timothy Fox, MD, said. “We can prevent and manage these risks by diagnosing and treating high blood pressure.”  

Target: BP™ is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. It aims to help healthcare organizations and care teams improve blood pressure control rates through aquality improvement program. There is no cost associated with this support. 

“By committing to helping more people in Lincoln County control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, MHLH is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said WanpenVongpatanasin, M.D., volunteer member of the Target: BP™ Advisory Group and liaison to the American Heart Association Hypertension Council. “MHLH’s participation in this initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”