Dear Colleagues and Community Members,
Wonderful to have spring in the air! And with that we have another newsletter packed with new research findings, relevant info for health professionals and the general public, updates from the Hypertension Taskforce, and reminding you of the great members and teams we have working in the field of hypertension here in Australia. Also note our upcoming Annual Scientific Meeting and Taskforce Summit in December in Adelaide! Happy reading.
Alta Schutte
Chair, Communications Committee
Hypertension Australia
If you would like to have this newsletter delivered to your inbox, please subscribe here.
This new study found that higher circulating SIGLEC6 levels are linked to increased risk and severity of preeclampsia and can rise before symptoms appear – highlighting its promise as an early biomarker and insight into disease mechanisms.
A review of Indigenous women in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. found higher preeclampsia risk with obesity, pre-pregnancy diabetes, high blood pressure and microalbuminuria. Smoking, alcohol and gestational diabetes were not strongly linked to risk.
A study explored clinician and patient views on remote blood pressure monitoring for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Both groups saw benefits for engagement and timely care, but technological barriers and support needs were highlighted.
A study found that only 7% of home blood pressure devices available in Australian pharmacies are validated for use during pregnancy, with these devices being more expensive than non-validated ones. The study highlights the need for clearer labelling and consumer education to ensure the use of appropriate devices in prenatal care.
A recent study in the Lancet quantified the blood pressure-lowering efficacy of antihypertensive drugs and their combinations from five major drug classes. The findings provide valuable insights for clinicians in optimizing treatment strategies for hypertension.
Out-of-control blood pressure is the world’s leading cause of death. By expanding simple, effective, inexpensive treatment for the one billion people with uncontrolled hypertension globally, we can save tens of millions of lives. Resolve-to-save-lives published a call to action. Please sign:
Primary aldosteronism is a common but under-recognised cause of hypertension associated with an increased cardiovascular risk compared to primary hypertension. The updated Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on Primary Aldosteronism (2025) now recommend screening all adults with hypertension by measuring aldosterone, renin, and serum potassium. This expands beyond the previous focus on high-risk groups to improve early detection of primary aldosteronism.
Another key change is streamlining the diagnostic pathway by reducing the need for aldosterone suppression testing. Patients with clear biochemical findings (high probability of unilateral adrenal disease) can proceed directly to subtype evaluation (adrenal vein sampling) to identify unilateral, surgically treatable adrenal disease. For those with milder biochemical findings (low probability of unilateral adrenal disease), a practical trial of treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists can be considered. Even for patients who have a “normal” aldosterone suppression test, but an abnormal baseline aldosterone and renin profile, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists can be trialled for blood pressure lowering.
Obesity Canada offers a free online course, Words Matter, to help health professionals recognise and reduce weight bias. In just three hours, you will learn practical ways to use respectful, non-stigmatising language and build trust in every conversation about weight.
A consensus statement from Hypertension Australia and the National Hypertension Taskforce recommends automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement as the standard for diagnosing and managing hypertension in Australian general practice. The statement highlights the need for consistent protocols and training to overcome current health system barriers and ensure accurate BP assessments.
On Thursday, 18 September, the National Hypertension Taskforce convened in Melbourne at the Stroke Foundation’s office, as well as online, bringing together leading experts from across Australia’s healthcare, research, peak body, and not-for-profit sectors. Representatives from Taskforce partner organisations including Hypertension Australia, Australian Cardiovascular Alliance, Heart Foundation, Stroke Foundation, Kidney Health Australia, Australian e-Health Research Centre CSIRO, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, The George Institute, and Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, all attended.
Co-chaired by Prof Markus Schlaich and Prof Alta Schutte, the meeting focused on reviewing achievements, identifying barriers, and exploring the highest-impact opportunities to shift the dial on hypertension control in Australia to reach our goal of 70% by 2030.
The Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to driving change and accelerating progress toward our national blood pressure control target. Together, we are driving meaningful change for better health outcomes.
Don’t miss the additional opportunity to attend the National Hypertension Summit 2025 hosted by the National Hypertension Taskforce on Tuesday 9 December in Adelaide at the same venue as the ASCEPT and Hypertension Australia 2025 Joint Scientific Meeting!
The Taskforce will be highlighting hypertension research and innovation in Australia and discussing bridging the gap between policy and practice in team-based care in an effort to increase current control rates in Australia to 70% by 2030.
The ENDO 2025 meeting in San Francisco showcased major advances in hypertension and primary aldosteronism, including new guidelines recommending universal testing for PA, evidence supporting routine renin measurement, streamlined diagnostic pathways, and promising trial results for the targeted therapy baxdrostat.
Hypertension Australia member Eleanor Clapham, who recently attended the 2025 American Heart Association Hypertension conference in Baltimore with fellow members and colleagues, shares key insights on the newly released hypertension management guidelines and how cutting-edge research can be applied in practice.
The Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Excellence in Cardiovascular Research Awards. The awards recognise outstanding contributions across three categories: Game Changer Award, Mentor Award and Translation Award.
Nominations are open to all researchers, regardless of ACvA membership, with submissions closing on 31 October 2025.
We are pleased to welcome Dr Kaylee Slater as the new Early Career Researcher (ECR) Committee Chair! Kaylee brings valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the role and will lead upcoming initiatives to support and connect early career researchers across our network.
Meet Professor Katherine (Kate) Denton, Head of the Cardiovascular Disease Program at Monash University’s Biomedical Discovery Institute, whose pioneering research on the kidney’s role in blood pressure regulation has shaped global understanding of hypertension for decades. A Hypertension Australia member since 1985, Kate continues to drive discoveries aimed at improving treatments and enhancing patient outcomes.
Garry Jennings is a senior academic and Chief Medical Advisor at the Heart Foundation, with honorary roles at Sydney and Monash Universities and long-standing affiliations in cardiovascular health. He has been a member of Hypertension Australia since its inception in 1979.
Looking after your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. From what you eat to how you move, small changes can make a big difference. Below you will find tips, research, and expert advice to keep your blood pressure in check.
Three new speakers have just been announced for the ASCEPT and Hypertension Australia Joint Scientific Meeting:
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear their groundbreaking research and connect with fellow professionals throughout the conference.
Early bird registration closes Sunday, 12 October 2025.
Know someone who should receive the Hypertension Australia newsletter? Simply share this with them by clicking the button below.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on what you are interested in seeing in this newsletter – please take a moment to complete the short survey below and help us improve future issues.