World Stroke Day | #GreaterThan Challenge

World Stroke Day | #GreaterThan Challenge

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of having a first stroke is twice as high for non-Hispanic Black adults than for White adults. October 29 is World Stroke Day which provides an annual focal point for stroke awareness...
Improper Cuff Size Leading To Inaccurate Blood Pressure Readings at Home

Improper Cuff Size Leading To Inaccurate Blood Pressure Readings at Home

A new study highlighted by the American Heart Association, explains the potential issue with home blood pressure monitoring: inaccurate readings due to improper cuff size. Researchers found that standard cuffs on popular devices may not fit a significant portion of...
Updated Community Data Reports [Q1 2024]: Addressing Gaps, Achieving Growth and Quality Improvement

Updated Community Data Reports [Q1 2024]: Addressing Gaps, Achieving Growth and Quality Improvement

The Great Plains QIN team strives to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes. We work with partners and community coalitions to identify areas for improvement, which include reducing avoidable hospital admissions and readmissions, including those caused by...
The Impact of Social Factors on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health

The Impact of Social Factors on Hypertension and Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension remains a leading, yet preventable, cause of global mortality, claiming over 10 million lives annually. Despite its significant impact, blood pressure control rates remain alarmingly low. While high-income countries achieve approximately 50% control, this...
Influenza Significantly Increases Heart Attack Risk, Especially in Healthy People

Influenza Significantly Increases Heart Attack Risk, Especially in Healthy People

A new study has uncovered a startling connection between influenza and heart attacks. Researchers found that people who contract the flu face a significantly heightened risk of experiencing a heart attack, particularly within the first week of illness. Surprisingly,...
North Dakota and South Dakota Hospitals Recognized for Heart Disease and Stroke Care Improvements

North Dakota and South Dakota Hospitals Recognized for Heart Disease and Stroke Care Improvements

Twenty-five hospitals in North Dakota and South Dakota are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® and other programs to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke....
The Direct Benefits of Quitting Vaping & Nicotine

The Direct Benefits of Quitting Vaping & Nicotine

As healthcare providers, when counseling patients about smoking or vaping cessation, we need to emphasize the immediate health benefits an individual can experience with quitting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after more than 20...