OUR LEGACY TODAY Winter 2024 | Legacy Community Health Newsletter | LegacyCommunityHealth.org
Legacy’s Heart Month Spotlight:
Tackling Hypertension Head-On
As we commemorate American Heart Month this February, we are shining a light on hypertension, often dubbed the “silent killer.” Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a key contributor to heart disease and stroke, the primary causes of death in the U.S. This condition significantly affects minority and underserved groups, influenced by a range of socio-economic factors. “About 60% of Legacy patients diagnosed with hypertension have it under control, but our target is at least 71%,” says Dr. Vanita Agrawal, Legacy’s Medical Director for Adult Medicine. “Our Care Team has created new guidelines that offer patients more robust, personalized care through strategic collaboration across our departments.” This integrated approach includes clinicians, nurses, patient educators, care managers, dietitians, and pharmacy specialists. Patients with slightly elevated blood pressure will meet with the patient educators to understand their condition and lifestyle modifications that can aid in management. “We’ll teach them about lifestyle changes to manage their condition, including how to take their blood pressure at home,” says Director of Patient Education Ashley Minkeu. Referrals to Legacy’s dietitians and Wellness Manager are also options to provide dietary and exercise guidance.
Ryan Norton and Ernestine Lloyd Rounding out Legacy’s hypertension strategy are the Clinical Pharmacy Specialists. They take a hands-on approach with patients with more complex cases, ensuring they pick up their medications and take them correctly. “I’d been watching my salt intake over the holidays and paid attention to my food portions. But the medications I took gave me bad side effects,” says Legacy patient Ernestine Lloyd. Her journey towards better health saw a turning point when she connected with Ryan Norton, a Pharmacy Specialist at Legacy’s Fifth Ward location. As a clinician, I was able to prescribe a new medication to reduce Ernestine’s side effects and lower her blood pressure,” says Ryan. “We talk every two weeks to monitor her progress.” Later this year, Legacy plans to include remote blood pressure monitoring for patients to round out this new model of hypertension care. Legacy is paving the way for better health outcomes by addressing the medical and socio-economic factors influencing health. As we observe American Heart Month, it’s one more way we are fulfilling our mission of driving healthy change in our communities.
William Lyons and AmeriCorps Connectors at Legacy Fifth Ward For those grappling with more severe hypertension, Legacy’s care management team steps in, examining broader life challenges. “Does the patient have a safe place to live or difficulty getting to our clinics for appointments? Can they afford healthy food or pay the rent?” says Health Connect Senior Manager Williams Lyons. “That can distract from their care, so we work to find solutions.” These include connecting patients to resources like Food RX prescriptions for fresh produce, social services, or transportation options. Monthly follow-up calls monitor patient progress and reassess needs.
Normal Blood Pressure is 120/80 or Lower