Achieving Accuracy: BP Measurement

Technical requirements for this course can be found at eLearning.Heart.org.

• Possible CE 0.50

Original Release Date: 11/12/2019

Last Review Date: October 2022

Termination Date: 11/10/2025

Description

The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Medical Association (AMA) have partnered together to tackle hypertension. Diagnosing and treating hypertension starts with obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements, every time. In this course, you will learn the latest hypertension guidelines, review best practices for taking accurate measurements, and learn more about how you can be a better partner in patient care by focusing on hypertension.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion, participants should be able to:

1. Review the current epidemiology of hypertension in the U.S.

2. Recognize the importance of achieving blood pressure control among people with hypertension

3. Define the 4 categories of hypertension

4. Describe relevant clinical guidelines

5. Explain how accurate measurement of blood pressure fits into a comprehensive plan to achieve blood pressure control

6. List the key steps for taking an accurate blood pressure measurement and the factors that impact accurate measure – including proper patient preparation and positioning

7. Apply correct measurement technique, including selection and application and positioning of cuff, inflation/deflation of cuff

8. Identify the correct Korotkoff sounds and accurately document the measurement

9. Identify how each role on the team can work to consistently obtain accurate BP measurements

10. Summarize key educational points that should be shared with patients regarding their blood pressure

Accreditation Terms

Joint Accreditation: 11/11/2022 – 11/10/2025

CAPCE: N/A

AARC: N/A

Accreditation Statements

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by The American Heart Association. The American Heart Association is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

AMA Credit Designation Statement - Physicians

The American Heart Association designates this activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

**AMA Credit must be claimed within 6 months of course completion. CE will no longer be available to claim for this activity after 6 months of course completion.

AAPA Credit Acceptance Statement – Physician Assistants

AAPA accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 0.50 hours of Category I credit for completing this program.

AANP Credit Acceptance Statement – Nurse Practitioners

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM from organizations accredited by the ACCME.

ANCC Credit Designation Statement - Nurses

The maximum number of hours awarded for this CE activity is 0.50 contact hours.

**ANCC Credit must be claimed within 6 months of course completion. CE will no longer be available to claim for this course after 6 months of course completion.

ACPE Credit Designation Statement – Pharmacists

ACPE Credit: 0.50 Contact Hours. Universal Program Number: JA0000134-0000-22-094-H04-P

**ACPE Credit must be claimed within 30 days of course completion. ACPE credit will no longer be available to claim after one month of course completion.

Participation and Successful Completion

Successful completion of this CE activity includes the following:

1. Past post-test with 84% or above

2. Complete the course evaluation form

3. Print the certificate/statement of credit

Disclosure Statement

All persons in a position to control educational content of a CE activity provided by the American Heart Association must disclose to the audience all financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. The presence or absence of all financial relationships will be disclosed to the audience in activity materials. All unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices discussed will also be disclosed to the audience. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

The following authors/faculty have declared NO financial interest(s) and/or affiliations (check for not conflicts):

Patty Turnbow

Barry Dickinson

Darlene Ruffin

Katherine Kirley

Seema Sahdev

The list represents the relationships that may be perceived as actual or reasonable conflicts of interest as reported on the Disclosure Questionnaire, which all AHA volunteers are required to complete and submit. The focus is on relevant financial relationships with commercial interests in the 24-month period preceding the time that the individual is being asked to assume a role controlling content:

N/A

Target Audiences

1. Physicians

2. Physician Assistants

3. Nurse Practitioners

4. Nurses

5. Pharmacists

ADA Statement

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association strive to make our websites accessible. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association are committed to diversity, inclusion, and meeting the needs of all our constituents, including those with disabilities. We are continually improving our digital assets to comply with the accessibility guidelines for levels A and AA in accordance with WCAG 2.1.

If the format of any material on our web pages interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact us to request assistance or if you have questions or comments about our web sites’ accessibility.

This course is intended for all healthcare providers responsible for measuring and tracking patients’ BP, especially the primary care team. This includes physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants and pharmacists.