The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have recognized 1,812 healthcare organizations for their efforts in managing high blood pressure, a significant increase from last year. This initiative comes at a time when uncontrolled hypertension is on the rise in the United States.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death. According to the 2024 AHA Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults—about 122.4 million—are affected by high blood pressure. This condition also contributes to over $52 billion in annual healthcare costs.
Target: BP™ Initiative
Launched in 2015, the Target: BP™ initiative aims to combat the high rates of uncontrolled blood pressure across the nation. The program focuses on:
Utilizing AHA’s scientific research and the evidence-based AMA MAP™ framework to help healthcare teams provide effective care.
Offering support and resources to healthcare organizations to enhance blood pressure control through education and quality improvement programs. Recognizing organizations that achieve significant improvements in blood pressure management.
This year’s participating organizations span 47 states and territories, serving over 34 million patients, including 9 million with hypertension. Notably, almost half of these organizations are nonprofit health centers that focus on underserved populations.
Among the recognized organizations, more than half received Gold or Gold+ awards for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70% or higher. Approximately 41% earned Silver recognition for submitting data and completing at least four out of six evidence-based activities. Others received Participation-level recognition for their commitment to improving blood pressure management.
Expert Insights
Dr. Keith Churchwell, volunteer president of the AHA, emphasized the dangers of high blood pressure, often called a “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms. He noted that initiatives like Target: BP help close gaps in hypertension control by raising patient awareness and educating them about managing risk factors.
Since its inception, more than 4,150 healthcare organizations have joined Target: BP™, all working towards improving heart health outcomes, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, AMA President, stressed the need for accessible quality healthcare to help patients manage their hypertension effectively. He called for collective efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease burdens nationwide.
Future Developments
In 2025, Target: BP will introduce new award levels and criteria, including a Silver+ award category aimed at further enhancing recognition for organizations committed to blood pressure control.
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