Axis Health System
Axis Health System’s integrated clinics in Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Durango and Dove Creek, have been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for their commitment to improving blood pressure control rates, earning Silver-level recognition as part of Target: BP™.
The Silver Award recognizes practices that have demonstrated a commitment to improving blood pressure control for adult patients through measurement accuracy.
Axis’ blood pressure control efforts include remote patient monitoring. Axis staff virtually monitor patients’ blood pressure with a take-home cuff which transmits readings back to the clinic. Staff work with the patient to make adjustments to their care based on real-time data. If readings are above or below a particular point, staff reach out to check in and adjust a patient’s care plan.
Self-management improves the quality of life for patients, and studies show that programs such as this improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for heart attacks, strokes and preventable death in the U.S. There are 121.5 million U.S. adults living with hypertension. This is nearly half of all adults in the country.
Unfortunately, less than half of them have their blood pressure under control, making both diagnosis and effective management critical.
In the U.S., heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death, respectively, and stroke is a leading cause of disability.
“Addressing blood pressure management is key for better cardiovascular health — and critical today when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for adults in the U.S.,” said Dr. Jill Rimmey, Axis medical director. “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.”
Target: BP is a national initiative formed by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association in response to the high prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure. The initiative aims to help health care organizations and care teams, at no cost, improve blood pressure control rates through an evidence-based quality improvement program and recognizes organizations, like Axis, that are committed to improving blood pressure control.
“By committing to helping more people in rural Colorado control their blood pressure and reduce their risks for future heart disease and stroke, Axis is taking a key step to helping more people live longer, healthier lives,” said Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Ph.D., MHS, RN, FAHA, Target: BP advisory group volunteer and associate professor at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “Axis’ participation in the Target: BP initiative shows its dedication to turning clinical guidelines into lifelines for patients and their families.”
