NHLBI Supports World Health Day, Hypertension Awareness - The NIH Record - May 10, 2013

NHLBI Supports World Health Day, Hypertension Awareness - The NIH Record - May 10, 2013


The NIH Record
NHLBI supports World Health Day, hypertension awareness
In support of World Health Day in April, and its theme of hypertension (high blood pressure), the NHLBI collaborated on national and international levels to raise awareness about hypertension and the importance of research in this area.

NHLBI Supports World Health Day, Hypertension Awareness

Janet M. de Jesus participates in the Google+ Hangout, addressing myths about hypertension. Photo: NHLBI
Dr. Cristina Rabadán-Diehl speaks at the PAHO World Health Day event. Photo: Pan American Health Organization

In support of World Health Day in April, and its theme of hypertension (high blood pressure), NHLBI collaborated on national and international levels to raise awareness about hypertension and the importance of research in this area. Dr. Cristina Rabadán-Diehl, acting director of NHLBI’s Office of Global Health, participated in a panel discussion at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Day event. She discussed the importance of engaging across borders to help manage hypertension.
Last year, the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases, of which NHLBI is a founding member, launched its first initiative to address hypertension, a major cause of cardiovascular disease, in low- and middle-income countries. Through this landmark research initiative, NIH is funding five research projects. Learn more about this effort at http://1.usa.gov/Yy5ank.
Other speakers at World Health Day included Dr. Carissa Etienne, PAHO director; Bill Corr, deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Sonia Angell, senior advisor on noncommunicable diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Dr. Norman Campbell, president of the World Hypertension League.
In addition, NHLBI participated in its first Google+ Hangout, joining the American Heart Association in addressing myths about hypertension. During the Hangout, Janet M. de Jesus, a nutritionist in NHLBI’s Division for the Application of Research Discoveries, joined other panelists to discuss common misconceptions about hypertension and what you can do to prevent or treat the “silent killer.” The chat was streamed live and has been archived at www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1OizMHMQPw.