On Oct. 7, the Southern New England American Heart Association hosted a powerful conversation that brought the latest science in cardiovascular care directly to our community.
Local medical experts Edward McGookin, MD, chief of primary care for Brown University Health and Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care, and Martha Kole-White, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University, led an engaging webinar on the newly released the 2025 American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology High Blood Pressure Guidelines
Chief of Primary Care
Brown University Health
Brown Health Medical Group Primary Care
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinician Educator
Alpert Medical School of Brown University
The session explored what these new recommendations mean for prevention, early detection and personalized care — especially in a region where thousands of residents live with high blood pressure, often without knowing it.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, the leading modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and cognitive decline. The updated guideline focuses on earlier treatment and lifestyle modification to help prevent cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life.
Among the most important changes are recommendations to manage blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy, and to address the long-term link between hypertension and cognitive decline and dementia. The guideline also introduces the PREVENT™ risk calculator, a new tool that helps clinicians better personalize care and understand each patient’s risk for heart disease.
“Events like this are how science translates into lifesaving action,” said Michelle Clark, executive director of the Southern New England American Heart Association. “By equipping health professionals with the most current, evidence-based information, we’re ensuring patients across our region benefit from earlier diagnosis, stronger prevention and better long-term health.”
Albert Whitaker, community impact director for the Southern New England American Heart Association, emphasized the power of local collaboration.
“When experts like Dr. McGookin and Dr. Kole-White share insights grounded in science, it inspires real change,” Whitaker said. “The knowledge shared in this webinar can empower clinicians and patients alike to take charge of blood pressure control and ultimately save lives.”
The Southern New England American Heart Association continues to work closely with hospitals, community partners and local leaders to expand access to care and reduce preventable disease. Together, we’re building a healthier future, one where every heartbeat counts.