Target: BP Initiative Reaches Milestone in Hypertension Control Efforts

In a significant development for public health, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) have announced that their joint initiative, Target: BP, has recognized 1,812 health care organizations for their efforts in prioritizing blood pressure control among patients. This marks an increase of 103 organizations compared to the previous year, signaling a growing commitment to combating hypertension across the United States.

The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated, given that hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults—an estimated 122.4 million individuals—and is a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death. With annual health care costs related to high blood pressure exceeding $52 billion, the impact of improved hypertension management extends beyond individual health to the broader healthcare economy.

Target: BP, launched in 2015, aims to address the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure by providing healthcare organizations with evidence-based strategies, professional education, and resources to improve patient care. The initiative's reach is substantial, with participating organizations serving more than 34 million patients, including 9 million with hypertension, across 47 states and U.S. territories.

Notably, nearly half of the recognized organizations are federally qualified health centers, highlighting the initiative's commitment to improving health equity by reaching medically underserved populations. This focus on inclusivity is crucial in addressing disparities in hypertension control and overall cardiovascular health.

The recognition program categorizes achievements into Gold, Gold+, Silver, and Participation levels, with over half of the awardees reaching Gold or Gold+ status by achieving blood pressure control rates of 70% or higher among their patients. This tiered approach not only acknowledges current successes but also encourages continuous improvement in hypertension management practices.

Dr. Keith Churchwell, AHA volunteer president and associate clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the silent nature of hypertension and the critical role of programs like Target: BP in raising awareness and improving patient education on risk factors and management strategies.

The initiative's impact extends beyond individual healthcare organizations. Since its launch, Target: BP has engaged over 4,150 health care organizations nationwide, creating a movement focused on prioritizing heart health and improving outcomes associated with heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Looking ahead, the AHA and AMA plan to introduce new award levels and criteria in 2025, including a Silver+ category, demonstrating their commitment to evolving the program to meet emerging needs and challenges in hypertension control.

As uncontrolled hypertension rates continue to rise in the United States, the success of initiatives like Target: BP becomes increasingly critical. By recognizing and supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to improve blood pressure control, the AHA and AMA are taking significant steps toward reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and improving overall public health.

The achievements highlighted by this year's Target: BP recognition program underscore the potential for collaborative, evidence-based approaches to address major public health challenges. As more organizations join this nationwide movement, the prospects for better hypertension control and reduced cardiovascular risk across the U.S. population continue to improve, marking a positive trend in the ongoing fight against heart disease and stroke.