Introduction

Hypertension has earned the name "The Silent Killer" because many who are inflicted do not even know that they have it. In the absence of symptoms, an individual may unknowingly suffer hypertension for years, while experiencing undetected damage to various organs . It is estimated that over 50 million Americans either have or are receiving treatment for hypertension. Unfortunately, for many Americans, hypertension is frequently ignored, misdiagnosed, or poorly controlled despite a multitude of treatment options. Hypertension is particularly prevalent in our part of the region.

It is extremely important for the citizens of Louisiana to be aware of the complications hypertension may cause. Hypertension is a major health problem identified in our society that contributes to diseases of the heart, brain, and kidneys. It not only affects adults; it is now recognized to affect children and adolescents as well. As mentioned above, many patients may not be aware of hypertension in early stages, and if allowed to persist, hypertension can become deadly. Thus, the importance of hypertension as a public concern is essential.

Tulane established the Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence to form a synergy of research and clinical services as well as serve as a forum for public and professional education. The hypertension team at Tulane includes experts at diagnosing causes of hypertension, educating patients about treatment, and designing effective treatment plans. This team includes a variety of physician specialty types to address all aspects of hypertension and its complications. The goal of the Center is to obtain international recognition for basic and clinical investigation as well as education focused on hypertension and renal disease.

The following statistics relating to cardiovascular diseases and its associated ailments were taken from the American Heart Association:

• 61,800,000 Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease
  
• 50 million of them have high blood pressure (hypertension)
  
• In Louisiana, it is estimated that hypertension occurs in 1 out of 4 adults
  
• 2.2 million Americans suffer significant disability stemming from hypertension
  
• Hypertension causes 200,000 deaths per year.

Importance of Center

Hypertension accounts for more physician office visits and prescription drug use than any other health condition afflicting Americans. Consequences of this illness include heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and renal (kidney) disease. Many individuals, especially those from low socioeconomic sectors, are unaware of their disease. The National Kidney Foundation reports that hypertension is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure in the United States found in over 70% of new patients with end stage renal failure. Among African-Americans, uncontrolled hypertension is the leading cause of chronic renal failure and the incidence of renal failure and the incidence of hypertension in African-Americans is almost 1 in 3. Because of the high percentage of African-Americans living in Louisiana, the problem of hypertension is of particular significance in our state. Two of the major causes of end stage renal failure requiring dialysis are hypertension and diabetes. Both are closely related to the prevalence of obesity. Indeed, excess body fat is a major factor predisposing to elevations in arterial pressure. Unfortunately, obesity is a particularly significant health problem in Louisiana having a much higher incidence than in other parts of the country. Overall, Louisiana is in the geographic region identified as the "stroke belt" where there is a much higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases, with hypertension being one of the most significant risk factors.