NASHVILLE, TN, April 26, 2024 — The American Heart Association is providing high-risk pregnant women with at-home blood pressure kits and educational resources through a new initiative at Ascension Saint Thomas Medical Partners UT OBGYN.
Through this new program, moms across Middle Tennessee are working to lower their blood pressure with kits featuring educational materials, blood pressure cuffs and guidance to track their numbers at home. This program is for women currently affiliated with Ascension Saint Thomas and aims to foster proactive self-care, promote a healthy pregnancy journey, and safeguard optimal heart health post-delivery.
Women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy will have twice the risk of a cardiovascular event in the next decade. Maternal high blood pressure increases the risk of life-threatening problems for mother and baby. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, stillbirth and fetal growth restriction.
“Pregnant women have so much to navigate and we’re here to help them through this step,” said Herman Williams, M.D., president of HW Healthcare Solutions and Middle TN American Heart Association Board president. “These blood pressure kits give women tangible resources to use at home as they care for themselves throughout their pregnancies and well after they have their babies. This is a way of saying we care about their long-term health.”
The program, now in its second month, has seen success throughout the community.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide blood pressure kits and information to patients through this new initiative at Ascension,” said Mozetta Jackson, VP of Community Impact for the American Heart Association in Middle TN. “We have been working with community clinics for several years to meet people where they are with blood pressure kits and resources. This initiative is so special because we are focusing on pregnant moms, an especially vulnerable group of people.”
"Cardiovascular disease remains the paramount threat to women's health, perpetuating a critical need for proactive measures and innovative solutions,” said Harrison Kiser, Vice President, Ascension Saint Thomas Heart. "Ascension Saint Thomas stands at the forefront of healthcare, steadfast in its commitment to prioritize cardiovascular health. I am proud to be a part of this initiative with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. By leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and dedication, we are positioned to reshape the landscape of women's cardiovascular health."
For more information about the blood pressure initiative, call 615-284-2988.
Additional Resources:
- High Blood Pressure: www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- Preeclampsia and High Blood Pressure: www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/pregnancy-and-maternal-health/pregnancy-and-common-heart-conditions/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure
- Follow AHA/ASA news on X (formerly known as Twitter) @HeartNews
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Ascension Saint Thomas
Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, non profit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 250 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of 16 hospitals and a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its partner organizations employ more than 10,700 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Sophie Marini: 615-340-4125; Sophie.Marini@heart.org
Olivia Wright: 731-610-7803; Olivia.Wright@ascension.org