Greensboro – The American Heart Association and the American Medical Association have awarded Cone Health Medical Group, gold awards for the way its medical practices treat high-blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.

“This is terrific validation of the focus that our physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants place on prevention,” says Cone Health Medical Group President Dr. Martin Portillo. “When you and your provider keep blood pressure, cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes under control, you are going to live a healthier, longer life and avoid many expensive hospital stays.”

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke or heart failure. High cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure are leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, with timely diagnosis, research-based treatment and education, these conditions can be managed.

This year, Cone Health Medical Group received these achievement awards:

  • The American Heart Association’s Check. Change. Control. Cholesterol™ Gold
  • The American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes℠ Gold
  • Target: BP™ Gold+ recognition jointly presented by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association.  

The outpatient achievement award programs put the unparalleled expertise of the American Heart Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Cone Health Medical Group was recognized after demonstrating how the organization has committed to improving risk factor management for patients.

“Type 2 diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure management are keys for better cardiovascular health – and critical today, when heart disease and stroke continue to be leading causes of death for Americans,” said Dr. Howard Haft, American Heart Association volunteer; consultant, senior medical advisor and adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine; and former executive director of the Maryland Primary Care Program with the Maryland Department of Health. “The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize Cone Health Medical Group for its commitment to managing patient risk factors related to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes.”

Cone Health Medical Group has more than 860 providers in primary and specialty care. The group has more than 150 locations in Alamance, Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties. [source]