Hypertension Message from the Chair

Jane Reckelhoff, PhD, FAHA

The goal of the American Heart Association is “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” The Council on Hypertension aligns wholly with such goals by supporting excellence in research, education and patient care.

Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. If left untreated, hypertension may lead to stroke, heart and kidney diseases. Unfortunately, and in spite of our increased knowledge, the incidence of hypertension continues to increase and despite all the therapeutic options, it remains poorly controlled, making hypertension a public health challenge we must overcome.

Solving this problem will require the concerted effort and engagement of basic and clinician scientists, practitioners, nurses, nutritionists, epidemiologists, educators, our patients, and their communities. We realize that while working to understand the roots and pathogenesis of this syndrome, we also need to eradicate health inequities, improve access to health care and educate our populations. Working with our communities will prove paramount to improve healthy choices regarding nutrition, exercise, and weight control.

One critical aspect of this effort is to develop and implement the most effective initiatives and interventions to promote hypertension awareness and prevention, early detection, and blood pressure control, along with high-quality research into mechanisms and novel therapeutics.

One of the most important activities of the Council on Hypertension is our fall specialty conference, Hypertension Scientific Sessions, held in conjunction and collaboration with the Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease (KCVD). Through this event, we bring together diverse experts to share state-of-the-art research, discuss innovative therapies, offer educational sessions and explore opportunities for funding and career development.

We place particular emphasis on nurturing the participation and career advancement of early-career individuals, who are the future of our Council. We foster an inclusive, welcoming, and pluralistic environment, which we hope extends to our international collaborations with other councils and societies interested in hypertension worldwide.

As the new Chair of the Council on Hypertension, I am honored to work with trainees, early-career investigators, and the best scientists and clinical minds in our field to advance research and health care of individuals with hypertension to improve their quality of life and to advance the AHA goal of providing longer, healthier lives.

Jane Reckelhoff, PhD, FAHA
Chair, Council on Hypertension