Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Nephrology and Hypertension Named Comprehensive Hypertension Center by the American Heart Association

By Robert Heyka, MD and George Thomas, MD

The American Heart Association has recognized Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Nephrology and Hypertension as a Comprehensive Hypertension Center, and one of only eight centers currently recognized nationally. This designation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated experience and expertise in the management of difficult hypertension cases.

Our Center for Blood Pressure Disorders is staffed with experienced nephrologists and hypertension specialists, along with physician assistants and clinical nurse practitioners.

The center has a dedicated hypertension laboratory with space and equipment devoted to evaluation and testing.

Monitoring Capabilities

Along with the standardized use of automated blood pressure devices in our outpatient clinics, we provide 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements for a large cohort of patients to help assess different blood pressure patterns, in addition to assessment of therapy efficacy.

Central blood pressures have been shown to correlate more strongly with vascular disease than do routine peripheral blood pressure measurements, and we have the ability to assess central blood pressure indices, including measures of pulse wave velocity and augmentation index.

The center also has expertise in the management of secondary hypertension, specifically related to the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma and renal artery stenosis.

A Collaborative Care Model

The center uses a collaborative approach to diagnosis, care and monitoring of blood pressure disorders. We work closely with internists, cardiologists, endocrinologists and vascular medicine specialists to develop a diagnostic and management plan tailored to the individual patient.

An effective treatment program requires partnership between the patient and care providers. Our center supports patients with information regarding blood pressure monitoring guidelines, lifestyle changes and nutrition.

Dr. Heyka is Chairman of the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension in Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute. Dr. Thomas is Director of the Center for Blood Pressure Disorders in the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension.