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N.C. A&T Alumna Adds Patient’s Perspective to New High Blood Pressure Guidelines

North Carolina A&T alumna, Karen Collins ’84 was one of the authors who contributed to the American Heart Association’s new guidelines for high blood pressure. The guidelines were released in November 2017, offering doctors’ new tactics on detecting, treating and preventing high blood pressure in their patients.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly half of Americans are at risk for major health problems because of high blood pressure. This condition is known as hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world.

Collins, a dedicated volunteer of 10 years with the AHA, served three years on the writing committee to develop these new guidelines. She joined a team of 21 participants that represented clinicians, physicians, pharmacists and nurses; in her role she was one of two as a lay participant. The impact of her contribution added the patient’s perspective of dealing with high blood pressure and the day-to-day support needed with managing it.

Collins’ passion for the AHA stems from her committed support of helping her parents monitor their heart health. For years, she has strived to live a healthy life and she offers support to her family by being knowledgeable in making better lifestyle choices.

“I believe the one thing everyone should do at their next doctor’s appointment; they should ask their doctor if they are acquainted with the new blood pressure guidelines,” said Collins.

Collins is the owner of a boutique consulting practice, Collins Collaboration, LLC, and she serves as the appointed board of trustee for the A&T Alumni Association Inc. Board of Directors. In 1984, she received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from A&T, and in 2014 a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

To learn more about the new high blood pressure guidelines, please click here.