Contact: Beth Casteel, bcasteel@acc.org, 202-375-6275

Washington, DC (November 7, 2011)—The American College of Cardiology, a partner in the Million Hearts campaign, plans to employ  its outpatient registry and its consumer-oriented resources to help reach the shared goal of reducing heart disease. The ACC supports the Million Hearts ABCS (Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management, Smoking cessation) and will incorporate these campaign goals into its ongoing efforts.

Through the ACC’s PINNACLE Registry, the nation’s largest cardiovascular outpatient database, the ACC will help evaluate progress toward the campaign goals and provide feedback to help improve performance. The PINNACLE Registry currently collects data on patient interactions such as aspirin prescriptions, blood pressure measures, smoking cessation status and consulting, lipid panels, and diabetes screening. The ACC’s PINNACE Registry will be a valuable tool for monitoring progress of the Million Hearts initiative.

Additionally, ACC’s patient-focused CardioSmart National Care Initiative, which offers online information on heart disease as well as everyday strategies for healthy living, is a platform that can be used to educate those living with or at risk for heart disease.

“The ACC is pleased to be part of this important initiative,” said ACC CEO Jack Lewin. “Million Hearts’ emphasis on ABCS provides a clear-cut path to reducing heart disease. ABCS are measurable goals that emphasize value, which we believe will be an effective way to improve public health.”

Preliminary work is underway to align these ACC programs with the goals of the Million Hearts campaign.

The Million Hearts initiative is being organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 
About the American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health through continuous quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The College is a 39,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

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