In a significant development for public health, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) have announced that their joint Target: BP initiative has recognized 1,812 health care organizations for their efforts in prioritizing blood pressure control among patients. This represents an increase of 103 organizations compared to the previous year, signaling a growing commitment to addressing hypertension, a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated, given that nearly half of U.S. adults—122.4 million people—are living with high blood pressure, according to the 2024 American Heart Association Statistical Update. With hypertension accounting for more than $52 billion in annual health care costs, the Target: BP initiative's success has far-reaching implications for both public health and the economy.
Launched in 2015, Target: BP aims to improve blood pressure control rates by providing health care organizations with evidence-based strategies, professional education, and practice tools. The initiative's impact is substantial, with participating organizations serving more than 34 million patients, including 9 million people with hypertension, across 47 states and U.S. territories.
Notably, nearly half of the participating organizations are federally qualified health centers, which serve medically underserved populations. This focus on reaching vulnerable communities underscores the initiative's commitment to improving health equity, a critical aspect of addressing the nationwide hypertension crisis.
The recognition program offers multiple award levels, with more than half of the recognized organizations achieving Gold or Gold+ status, indicating blood pressure control rates of 70% or higher among their patients. About 41% received Silver recognition for implementing evidence-based blood pressure activities and submitting control data. The remaining organizations were recognized at the Participation level for their commitment to reducing uncontrolled blood pressure among adult patients.
Dr. Keith Churchwell, American Heart Association volunteer president and associate clinical professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, emphasized the silent nature of hypertension and the crucial role of programs like Target: BP in raising awareness and improving patient education on risk factors and overall well-being.
The initiative's success is particularly timely, as uncontrolled hypertension rates are rising in the United States. Since its launch, Target: BP has engaged more than 4,150 health care organizations in a nationwide movement to prioritize heart health, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in addressing major public health challenges.
Dr. Bruce A. Scott, AMA President, stressed the importance of universal access to quality health care and equipping physicians and care teams with the necessary tools to help patients control their blood pressure. This approach is vital in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and improving the nation's overall health.
Looking ahead, the Target: BP initiative plans to introduce new award levels and criteria in 2025, including a Silver+ award level, reflecting the program's commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving health care needs.
The success of Target: BP serves as a model for addressing other public health challenges, highlighting the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between major health organizations, health care providers, and communities. As the initiative continues to grow and evolve, it promises to play a crucial role in the ongoing fight against hypertension and its associated health risks, potentially saving countless lives and reducing the economic burden of cardiovascular disease on the U.S. health care system.
