Convening Hypertension Health Care Leaders

48% of Washington adults have hypertension. However, 1 in 4 are unaware they are living with a dangerous condition that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

To address underlying barriers to blood pressure management, the American Heart Association is working with health systems, community-based organizations and health centers in under-resourced areas in Washington to better identify and support individuals managing high blood pressure. Initiatives like self-measured blood pressure programs, team-based care models and screening and referral protocols have supported thousands of Washingtonians.

To mark a century of progress against cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association hosted a Hypertension Summit in Washington. The event convened healthcare and public health leaders from across the state for a robust discussion about how to best support the 2.7 million Washingtonians with high blood pressure.

Setting the tone for the Summit, Eugene Yang MD, MS, FACC, volunteer medical expert from UW Medicine, kickstarted the event with an inspiring keynote address titled “Do We Need More Blood Pressure Guidelines or Better Implementation Strategies?”

The Summit also featured breakout sessions, a mini-plenary session, a celebration of Target: BP awardees and a panel discussion. Topics covered included hypertension control in primary care, team-based care models, maternal health disparities, peer navigation and the utilization of community health workers in self-measured blood pressure programs.

This is just the beginning. The Summit has strengthened relationships across the healthcare, public health and community health ecosystem, paving the way for better treatment, care and health outcomes for those with high blood pressure in Washington.

Pacing toward the American Heart Association’s 2028 Impact Goal: “Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the American Heart Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach people where they are,” the Washington Community Impact team will leverage the connections and insights from the Summit to develop local strategies aimed at increasing hypertension awareness and management, striving toward a 75% statewide blood pressure control rate.

Summit attendees shared the following thoughts about their experience:

“I really appreciated the focus on team-based care and guideline implementation. These are very practical items our organization is working to address and relevant to many different healthcare providers.”

“Like many clinics, we are continuously working towards improved patient outcomes. Hypertension is a priority, so it is helpful to hear about approaches, including successes and less so. For example, we heard that a second blood pressure reading and the timing is important, and even more crucial is having patients follow up quickly – these nuanced experiences are helpful.”

A special thank you to the Summit planning committee and presenters from across the region as well as our Hypertension Summit supporters, Cambia Health Foundation, MultiCare Health System, Providence Health Plan and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.

Learn more about the American Heart Association’s statewide blood pressure control efforts at heart.org/washington.