DALLAS - October 5, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - For the first time, the American Heart Association is recognizing outpatient care organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico for helping patients better manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes - three of the nation’s most common and consequential cardiovascular risk factors. According to the Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report, cardiovascular disease affects an estimated 130.6 million U.S. adults, making it one of the nation's most urgent health challenges.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is recognizing more than 2,700 healthcare organizations through Outpace CVD™ for their commitment to improving cardiovascular risk factor management and advancing high-quality care.
Outpace CVD™ is the American Heart Association's outpatient quality improvement portfolio, helping healthcare organizations improve management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes through evidence-based resources and recognition programs, including Target: BP™, Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ and Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠.
Collectively, participating organizations serve nearly 45.5 million patients, including millions at risk for cardiovascular disease due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes. Over 1,750 organizations earned recognition in more than one Outpace CVD program.
“Many of the biggest opportunities to improve cardiovascular health begin in the outpatient setting,” said Kevin Hwang, M.D., MPH, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Outpatient Quality Improvement Advisory Group. “Through Outpace CVD, care teams are applying evidence-based strategies that help patients better manage their cardiovascular risk factors.”
Helping more patients control blood pressure
For 2026, nearly 2,700 organizations earned Target: BP™ recognition for their efforts to improve blood pressure control.
High blood pressure affects 125.9 million U.S. adults, yet only 22% have it under control. Target: BP recognizes organizations that prioritize accurate measurement, evidence-based treatment and improved blood pressure control.
Promoting healthier cholesterol levels
Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ recognized almost 1,000 organizations for their commitment to cholesterol management.
High cholesterol is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ supports organizations working to improve its detection and management.
Reducing cardiovascular risk in diabetes
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading health threat for people with Type 2 diabetes. Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ recognized more than 1,700 organizations for addressing cardiovascular risk factors through evidence-based quality improvement and guideline-directed care.
“Addressing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes is critical to improving cardiovascular health,” Hwang, medical director of the UT Health Physicians Internal Medicine - Texas Medical Center clinic and director of its general internal medicine fellowship, added. "These organizations are demonstrating how evidence-based care can improve cardiovascular health and patient outcomes.”
Each year, Outpace CVD supports thousands of healthcare organizations working to improve cardiovascular health in communities nationwide.
Learn more at heart.org/OutpaceCVD.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Michelle Rosenfeld: michelle.rosenfeld@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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