We are the Hypertension and Vascular Diseases Network, an initiative of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

From the stethoscope to the microscope to the telescope. We aim to make a difference in the lives of all those living with hypertension.

About the Project

Hypertension continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with sub-optimal control affecting 40-50% of individuals over the age of 40, which equates to over 1 billion people worldwide. Although Canada has historically excelled in hypertension care, it is currently experiencing its lowest rates of awareness, treatment, and control, particularly among females, resulting in an increased prevalence of hypertension-related complications such as myocardial infarction, heart or kidney failure, stroke, and cognitive disorders. Despite the availability of more than 150 antihypertensive medications, the incidence of uncontrolled hypertension is on the rise. This challenge is partly due to poor adherence and the prevalent ‘one size fits all’ approach in hypertension management, which often overlooks the diverse and complex nature of the patient population. A precision medicine approach is essential for effective hypertension management, as it considers the unique factors influencing each individual.

This Research Network is dedicated to identify individualized determinants and phenotypes of hypertension, ensuring that tailored treatment options will soon be available for all.

The Hard Truth

1.28 B

live with hypertension around the globe

46%

of adults with hypertension are not aware of their condition

<42%

of patients receive proper treatment

OUR RESEARCH TOPICS

HYPERTENSION

High blood pressure (hypertension) happens when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries stays too high over time. This constant pressure puts extra strain on your blood vessels and can damage important organs like the heart, kidneys, and brain.

To diagnose it properly, doctors rely on multiple accurate blood pressure readings, often taken at home or with a 24-hour monitor to see how your blood pressure behaves throughout the day.

Managing high blood pressure usually involves healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, reducing salt, exercising regularly, and managing stress, along with medications when needed. Together, these steps help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Pediatric HYPERTENSION

Pediatric hypertension refers to high blood pressure in children and teenagers. Because blood pressure changes as kids grow, doctors compare a child’s readings to normal ranges based on age, sex, and height. A diagnosis is made only after careful, repeated measurements to be sure the pressure is truly elevated.

When high blood pressure is confirmed, doctors look for possible underlying health conditions that may be causing it and check for early signs of organ strain, such as effects on the heart or kidneys.

Treatment usually starts with healthy lifestyle changes, including improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight. If blood pressure remains high, medications may be added to protect the child’s long-term heart and vascular health.

Resistant HYPERTENSION

Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that stays too high even when a person is taking three different blood pressure medications, or when it can only be controlled by taking four or more.

Before calling it “resistant,” doctors must make sure the issue isn’t due to incorrect blood pressure measurements, not taking medications as prescribed, or the white-coat effect (blood pressure rising only in the clinic). They also check for other medical conditions that might be causing the high blood pressure.

Once these are ruled out, treatment focuses on strengthening healthy lifestyle habits and adjusting or adding medications to bring blood pressure down to a safer level.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occur when a pregnant person develops high blood pressure during pregnancy. This rise in blood pressure can place extra strain on the heart, blood vessels, and organs, and in some cases can affect the health of the baby.

Diagnosis requires careful, repeated blood pressure measurements and may include blood tests, urine tests, and monitoring of the baby to ensure safety for both mother and child.

Management focuses on close medical monitoring, healthy lifestyle measures, and medications that are safe in pregnancy when needed. Early detection and proper treatment help reduce the risk of complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, or long-term cardiovascular problems for the mother.