Strategies for Success: Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions.

Abstract

Background: Among the 119.9 million US adults with hypertension, an estimated 92.9 million have systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80 mm Hg. Million Hearts is an initiative co-led since 2011 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The program drives improvement in hypertension control by celebrating high-achieving clinicians, practices, and health systems each year as Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions. Champions have validated control rates of 80% or higher.

Methods: Using data from each Champion, we summarized their key characteristics and quantified their use of various evidence-based strategies. We calculated summary statistics for application data provided by Champions based on the initiative's 5-year cycles of operation (2012-2015; 2017-2020; and 2022-2024).

Results: From 2012 to 2024, a total of 199 Hypertension Control Champions from 44 states were recognized; the mean prevalence of systolic blood pressure < 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg was 82%. Overall, Champions reported using multiple evidence-based strategies to help their patients achieve hypertension control. The top 3 strategies were use of electronic medical record IT tools, patient support including self-measured blood pressure monitoring and team-based care.

Conclusions: The Million Hearts Hypertension Control Champions demonstrate that hypertension control may be achievable among patients across diverse settings through the implementation of evidence-based approaches.