Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Nephrology Named Comprehensive Hypertension Center

By Robert Heyka, MD, and George Thomas, MD

The American Society of Hypertension has recognized Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Nephrology and Hypertension as the first Comprehensive Hypertension Center in Northeast Ohio, and one of only 13 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 a team of experienced nephrologists certified as hypertension specialists by the American Society of Hypertension, and with medical assistants, 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.

We utilize noninvasive impedance cardiography in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension to help guide treatment decisions and tailor therapy by assessing neurohumoral profiles and hemodynamic parameters.

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 a staff member of the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension.