Tackling High Blood Pressure: UT Health San Antonio's Commitment to Saving Lives
High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States. At UT Health San Antonio, our primary care teams are dedicated to reducing high blood pressure and improving patient outcomes.
For the third consecutive year, all UT Health San Antonio Primary Care Center locations have earned the prestigious Target: BP Gold+ designation from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association. This recognition honors our success in helping patients lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.
"High blood pressure is a silent disease. Many people with hypertension experience no symptoms, making regular preventive visits to your primary care physician critical," said Kaparaboyna Ashok Kumar, MD, FRCS, FAAFP, medical director at UT Health Verde Hills. "We monitor blood pressure at every visit, allowing us to diagnose and treat hypertension early, preventing long-term complications. We're also increasing access to care and wellness visits to ensure patients' needs are a top priority."
Reducing Hypertension in Our Community
"In primary care, controlling high blood pressure is about more than just reaching a target number —it's about preventing a future heart attack or stroke," said Mayra Perez, DO, associate medical director at UT Health Hill Country. " Making small changes today goes a long way toward not only prolonging life, but also improving quality of life. By empowering patients with education, support, and a holistic approach to care, we’re not just improving health outcomes, we’re also building stronger, healthier communities."
“We are incredibly proud of the entire Primary Care Center team and their commitment to our community. Every member, from medical assistants to behavioral health consultants, advanced practice providers, and physicians, collaborates closely with one another and actively engages with patients,” said Ramon Cancino, MD, MBA, MS, executive director of the Primary Care Center. “Together, we are addressing this important issue with a focus on whole-person care. Our community benefits from this integrated, team-based approach, ensuring that patients not only receive compassionate care but also seamless access to our expert specialists whenever needed.”
At UT Health San Antonio, patients receive care from a dedicated team of professionals who work together to identify potential health risks, prevent issues, and manage chronic conditions. As a designated Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), our primary care patients benefit from an integrated network of specialists, including board-certified cardiologists, ensuring comprehensive, coordinated care for every individual.
To make an appointment at any of our primary care locations, visit UTHealthCare.org/primarycare.
To learn more about Target: BP, click here.