Hypertension is common and only about half of the 116 million U.S. adults with hypertension have it under control. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and even dementia. The good news is that hypertension is manageable and treatable when effective strategies are implemented (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge identifies and highlights clinicians, medical practices and health systems in the United States that have demonstrated exceptional
hypertension control rates. These Champions are amplifying the message that with the right strategies, optimal hypertension control is possible for all health care practices and patient populations.
Health professionals and practices that have achieved patient hypertension control rates of at least 80% are eligible to enter the 2023 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge for possible recognition as a Champion. The submission deadline is April 14, 2023. Access the Challenge rules and eligibility guidelines here.
Million Hearts® recently recognized 9 new Hypertension Control Champions that have achieved a patient blood pressure control rate of 80% or better in 2022; this brings the total to 143 Hypertension Control Champions across 42 states that have been recognized since 2012.
Two Dakota Champions have received this honor previously:
- Altru Health System, Grand Forks (2015)
- Sanford Health Clinics, Sioux Falls (2017)
If you have questions about the Challenge, email millionhearts@cdc.gov using the subject line “Million Hearts Hypertension Control Challenge.”
The Great Plains QIN Team hosted a series of educational sessions on this topic throughout February as part of our Friday Focus 4 Health Series. Access the presentations and recordings from these sessions below.
Blood Pressure Control
- Blood Pressure Control: Presentation I Recording
- Prevention: Presentation I Recording
- Target BP: Presentation I Recording
- Taking a BP Accurately: Presentation I Recording