Originally published at abbott.mediaroom.com. Abbott ranked No. 4 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, and the global healthcare company Abbott, today announced a new multi-year initiative to reduce high blood pressure and chronic diseases affecting historically underserved local communities in Austin, Texas. The initiative is made possible through a generous financial contribution from Abbott and will support three Federally Qualified Healthcare Clinical Systems (FQHCs) in Central Texas in providing educational resources, support and self-monitoring devices necessary for high-risk hypertensive and diabetic patients to manage their blood pressure, glucose levels and health behaviors. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is known as a “silent killer,” and often has no signs or symptoms. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, pregnancy complications and cognitive decline or dementia later in life.
Nearly one in two adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, yet only about one in four have it under control. Black Americans and people of Hispanic background living in the U.S. are 40% more likely to have the condition and are at least three times more likely to die from heart disease caused by high blood pressure and stroke than their white counterparts. However, hypertension is a preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
“Successful hypertension management requires individuals to regularly monitor their blood pressure results so that they can learn how their environment and daily choices impact their numbers. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may be participating in less physical activity and eating more high-fat, sodium-laden foods. Those behaviors quickly impact a person’s blood pressure,” said Philip Adamson, M.D., chief medical officer of Abbott’s heart failure business, which has offices in Austin. “Abbott and American Heart Association share a commitment to health equity, and we look forward to working together to extend the reach of health education and resources to the people who need it, now more than ever.”
Regular blood pressure checks at a doctor’s office are difficult for many. Allowing patients to monitor their health at home could ultimately save their lives. However, they may not have the resources to purchase at-home blood pressure monitors and other critical supplies.
The multi-year initiative will focus on AHA’s work with several of Austin’s community health centers combating chronic disease through improved clinical systems, education, guidance and resources including self-monitoring devices.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to many longstanding disparities in our healthcare systems. This program will seek to close gaps and provide life-saving information and resources to the people that need it the most,” said Greg Weaver, Austin volunteer board chair for the Association and executive vice president of Catellus Development Corporation. “We will fight against this silent killer and impact even more lives.”
The program has a specific goal of reaching at least 46,000 patients living in Central Texas before 2022, including at least 30,000 who are uninsured or ineligible for Medicaid and considered to be high-risk patients in Austin’s healthcare system.
