HOUSTON (Covering Katy News) - Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, which has facilities in Katy, has been recognized by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association as a leader in the national effort to get patient blood pressure rates under control and reduce the number of Americans who have heart attacks and strokes each year.
AHA and AMA awarded Gold Status to Kelsey-Seybold Clinic—one of just 542 physician practices and health systems to be recognized for achieving blood pressure control rates of 70 percent or more in their adult patient population with high blood pressure.
A total of 1,183 physician practices and health systems nationwide were recognized by the program for their commitment to help patients improve blood pressure control. The recognized organizations represent nearly 30 million adult patients, with more than 8 million patients diagnosed with hypertension, across 46 states and territories.
“Kelsey-Seybold Clinic has worked diligently over the years to develop processes and programs to help patients improve blood pressure control through treatment, compliance and adherence,” said Olethia Chisolm, M.D., Internal Medicine, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Meyerland Plaza. “Receiving this recognition is a great honor and is reflective of Kelsey-Seybold’s dedication to improving this essential health indicator, affirming that our physicians are committed to the wellbeing of our patients and to the importance of controlling blood pressure.”
There are 116 million U.S. adults living with high blood pressure, the nation’s number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and less than half have it controlled to target level. Many patients are unaware of the deadly consequences associated with high blood pressure and that it can be managed working in partnership with their physicians to create and follow a treatment plan.
“Although we have the tools to treat high blood pressure, many patients face a variety of barriers that make it difficult to successfully manage the condition. That’s why the American Heart Association and American Medical Association created the Target: BP initiative—to bring patients and providers together to get blood pressure successfully under control,” said AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. “We applaud the physicians who are already working hard to control their patients’ blood pressure, and we will continue to urge more physician practices, health systems and patients to join this effort to prioritize the rising risk of high blood pressure and improve health outcomes for patients across the nation.”
"Collaboration is key to managing high blood pressure," said AHA President Robert Harrington, MD, FAHA. "When doctors, clinics, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association and American Medical Association are all working toward the same goal, we have the opportunity for great success. We are pleased to be a part of the success of so many practices – and so many patients – in reducing high blood pressure and improving health."