The American Heart Association is currently funding $5,279,246 in cardiovascular research at Augusta University. The research funded at Augusta University is helping more and more people survive heart disease and stroke. AHA’s core research programs have launched or furthered the work of many of this country’s brightest researchers and propelled breakthroughs that have saved and improved lives.

“We are so grateful for the support from the AHA to Augusta University,” said Lee Ann Liska, CEO of Augusta University Medical Center and 2018 Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association. “The American Heart Association’s investment is enabling Augusta University’s brightest researchers in making breakthrough discoveries that will improve the quality of life for people across the CSRA.”

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans but is 80 percent preventable. One in three American adults — about 85 million people — has high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to many major health conditions including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. To reduce the number of CSRA adults who die annually from heart attacks and strokes, the American Heart Association CSRA Board of Directors has decided to initiate a two-year community plan focusing on blood pressure control.

Over the next several months, the CSRA Board of Directors will work to develop a detailed plan on how to best implement these new initiatives within the community.  “In order to make a true impact, we have to align ourselves with strong community partners like Augusta University,” said Kayla Kranenberg, Executive Director of the American Heart Association.  “We are excited for the opportunity to develop and grow partnerships within our community that will ultimately help us save lives in the CSRA.”

Studies show high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke and, compared with other lifestyle risk factors, the leading cause of death in women and the second-leading cause of death in men, behind smoking. Additionally, only 54percent of people with hypertension have their blood pressure controlled even though effective treatments have existed for 50 years.

“We recognize the need to equip CSRA residents with the tools and resources to help manage and control blood pressure, a life-threatening condition,” said Liska.  “We have two programs in particular that will drive improvement in hypertension, including Target:BP, which focuses on clinical leaders and provides resources and recognition to improve hypertension control, and also Check. Change. Control., which empowers individuals to manage their blood pressure.”

In addition to blood pressure education and awareness, the local American Heart Association hosts two signature events to raise awareness and funds for heart disease and stroke research, education, programs and local initiatives:

• CSRA Heart Ball: Friday, February 8, 2019- This year’s CSRA Heart Ball celebration will be hosted at the Augusta Marriott. It is sure to be a night of elegance, refinement and fundraising for a worthy cause. Attendees will enjoy valet parking, live band, live and silent auctions, and a gourmet seated dinner. http://csraheartball.heart.org

• CSRA Heart Walk: Saturday, March 9, 2019- Join 5,000 CSRA residents at this year’s Heart Walk hosted at the GreenJackets Stadium. The non-competitive 3.1 mile walk also features a family-friendly heart-healthy expo with activities for every age and fitness level.  csraheartwalk.org