Introduction:

Lifestyle changes and the industrialization of societies have led to an increase in non-communicable and chronic diseases, such as hypertension, which is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is the leading cause of disability and the most significant risk factor for mortality worldwide. As hypertension increases, the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases also rises. Moreover, high blood pressure can contribute to dementia. According to data, hypertension causes 54% of strokes and 47% of ischemic heart diseases. In people aged 40 to 70, an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lowering blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease. Hypertension treatment substantially reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

Studies show that 20% of the adult population worldwide suffers from hypertension. In Iran, the prevalence of hypertension in adults is around 25%, and in Isfahan, it is 18.5%. Awareness of hypertension in Iran is low, with only 50% of people being aware of their condition, and the control rate of this disease in patients is less than 16%.

History:

The Hypertension Research Center was established in 1996 as one of the units within the Cardiovascular Research Center of Isfahan, under the name of the Hypertension Unit. Various research projects and activities were conducted in this unit, and eventually, on 11 January 2011, it received official approval. Upon receiving this approval, the center continued its activities as the Hypertension Research Center. Since then, it has successfully published numerous articles in both national and international journals. On 12 May 2013, the center was granted final approval.

Aims:

1. Develop and enhance the quantity and quality of research in the field of hypertension.
2. Provide and expand specialized therapeutic and educational services for hypertension patients.
3. Improve internal and external organizational participation in research and financial affairs to align with the research priorities of the center.
4. Develop human resource capacity.
5. Increase awareness of hypertension among the scientific community and promote research methods.
6. Expand the activities of the Iranian Hypertension Scientific Association.

Vision:

We hope that within the next five years (from 2025 to 2030), in alignment with the country’s development vision and through continuous effort, dedication, and collaboration with researchers, our center will become one of the most active and reputable research centers on hypertension in the country. Our goal is for our center's reports and data to be cited by international and academic communities. With the available resources, we aim to enhance the quality and quantity of related research by discovering and developing innovative prevention methods. This will ultimately lead to the management and control of hypertension through public health interventions, lifestyle changes, and both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments, improving cardiovascular health for all individuals in society. We also hope that this center will become a leader in the production and development of advanced hypertension diagnosis and treatment technologies, utilizing artificial intelligence and personalized medicine, and strengthen its interactions with the industry to foster innovation and commercialization of research. The center also aims to influence national health policies and improve cardiovascular health in the country.

Mission:

As a model research-educational center in the field of hypertension, we aim to lead high-quality applied and basic research in hypertension prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment, contributing to public health improvement at regional and national levels. Our objectives include conducting innovative research in epidemiology, pharmacology, and genetics of hypertension, executing and enhancing clinical and community-based research, developing creative and practical solutions for hypertension challenges, providing effective treatment strategies, contributing to community-level education, and training the next generation of hypertension researchers and clinical specialists. All of these services are offered with respect to Islamic values, medical ethics, social justice, and a commitment to promoting research and human development indicators.

Services and Facilities:

• Research Services:
  The center, in line with its mission, functions both as an independent research unit and through collaborations with various organizations inside and outside the University of Medical Sciences. It contributes to the development and updating of national hypertension guidelines, conducting research projects, and supervising student theses. The main outcome of these research efforts is to find solutions for the issues studied. In addition, by publishing the results of these studies at both national and international levels, we provide valuable insights for other researchers and significantly enhance the center’s reputation.
• Medical Services:
  Since May 2014, the Hypertension Clinic has been established at the Cardiovascular Research Institute, providing services to patients. A primary goal of this clinic is to offer treatment plans for patients based on the latest national hypertension guidelines, establish a suitable patient database, and conduct cohort studies. The clinic is equipped with advanced, reliable devices for measuring brachial blood pressure and ABI, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, and specialized echocardiography equipment. Additionally, patients can receive laboratory services from the Cardiovascular Research Institute’s clinical laboratory.
• Educational Services:
  The center organizes various educational programs, such as workshops, webinars, in-person training sessions, and continuous education programs. These programs are designed to enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals and the general public, supported by the expertise of the center's members and institutions inside and outside the university.