Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group Earns National Recognition for Blood Pressure Control Efforts

HOUSTON, TX (October 15, 2021) –  Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) for their commitment to helping improve blood pressure (BP) control rates among the patient populations they serve, earning Gold+ level recognition as part of the 2021 Target: BP™ Recognition Program.  

The Gold+ level of recognition is new this year and is awarded to physician practices that meet the Gold status criteria—having 70% or more of their adult patient population with high BP controlled—and demonstrate commitment to measurement accuracy. Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group is among only 15 organization in Texas that achieved this highest level of distinction.

Hypertension (high BP) is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and preventable death in the U.S. In addition, there are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with high BP and less than half of those people have their BP under control[1] – making both diagnosing and effectively managing hypertension critical. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that heart disease and stroke continue to kill more people in the U.S. than other causes.

“High blood pressure is a leading risk factor of heart disease and stroke that can often be prevented or managed if diagnosed and treated properly,” said Dr. Peter Bigler, Chief Medical Group, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group. “Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health and to reduce the incidence of heart disease and strokes, which continue to be a leading cause of death for Americans.” 

Target: BP is a national collaboration between the AHA and the AMA aimed at reducing the number of Americans who suffer from heart attacks and strokes each year by urging physician practices, health systems and patients to prioritize BP control. The initiative aims to help health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through use of AMA MAP BP™ evidence-based protocols and recognizes Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group for its commitment to improving blood pressure control.

The Target: BP Recognition Program celebrates physician practices and health systems, who treat patients with hypertension, for achieving BP control rates at or above 70 percent within the populations they serve.

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About Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group is network of more than 200 multidisciplinary healthcare providers conveniently located throughout the Greater Houston area and East Texas. Our medical professionals provide personalized, expert care in a variety of specialties, including primary care, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, OB/GYN, and general surgery. Many offer same or next-day appointments and virtual visits, as well as onsite imaging and laboratory services, providing patients and their families with a convenient and comprehensive healthcare experience. Baylor St. Luke's Medical Group accepts all major insurance plans.

[1] J Circulation; Table 8-1