HYPERTENSION AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS SOCIETY

The Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Society (HIPAT), has been established in Istanbul at 1991, by Prof. Dr. Serap Erdine and her colleagues to share the information and knowledge, to encourage researches and education, and to promote public awareness in the management of hypertension and related diseases.

Hypertension is the most important preventable cause of heart disease and already affects one billion people worldwide. Most people with hypertension have no symptoms at all; this is why it is known as the “silent killer”.

The health consequences of hypertension can be compounded by other factors that increase the odds of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. These factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol, lack of physical activity, and exposure to persistent stress as well as obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus.

According to recent researches blood pressure elevations are much more common among children and adolescents. High blood pressure in children can also develop for the same reasons it does in adults, including being overweight, eating a poor diet and not exercising.

Lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercising more, can help to reduce high blood pressure in all ages.

Prevention and control of hypertension is complex, and demands multi-stakeholder collaboration, including governments, civil society, academia and the food and beverage industry.

Vision

The Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Society (HIPAT) is committed to promoting and encouraging the advancement of scientific research and knowledge and its application to the prevention and management of hypertension and related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome… from early childhood to adolescent, adult to elderly

Mission

The overall mission of HIPAT is to promote and encourage the advancement of scientific research and knowledge and its application to the prevention and management of hypertension and related diseases around the world.

The HIPAT will endeavour to achieve this mission through collaborations, scientific meetings, publications, outreach, and other activities that:

  • Raise public awareness of the importance of early recognition and treatment of high blood pressure and related conditions.
  • Support, reach out to, and facilitate networking between investigators, teachers, fellows, clinicians and students interested in hypertension and related diseases globally.
  • Share current knowledge and new discoveries and provide education and training worldwide; and ultimately via the HIPAT Scientific Meetings, and various workshops, educational events.
  • Support research to achieve optimal care of people with hypertension
  • Promote multidisciplinary collaborative research.
  • Encourage, promote and organise postgraduate training and international exchange of investigators, teachers, fellows and students.
  • Advocate patient rights and educate the public as well as medical professionals.
  • Reduce the frequency and impact of high blood pressure and its associated conditions.

Principles and Values

  • The Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Society (HIPAT) is founded upon the guiding principles of integrity and diversity of all international societies and organisations.
  • Respects gender equality in
    • - Dedicated resources: commitment of human resources and gender expertise to implement it.
    • - Training: Awareness raising/trainings on gender equality and unconscious gender biases for staff and decision-makers.
    • - In leadership and decision-making;
    • - gender equality in recruitment and career progression;
    • - integration of the gender dimension into research and teaching content;
  • Commitment to Excellence.
  • HIPAT values new knowledge and is committed to excellence in research, education, and patient care.
  • Respect for Expertise
  • HIPAT values expertise and the full range of skills and disciplines that are needed for the realisation of its objectives and mission.
  • Respect for Science
  • HIPAT recognises that good healthcare is based on evidence, and that the origins of evidence lie in responsible research and scientific method.
  • Commitment to Independence from Inappropriate Influence.
  • HIPAT works for the public good and will not be influenced by commercial or other considerations that are contrary to the interests of people affected by hypertension or related conditions.
  • Commitment to Integrity, Openness and Accountability.
  • HIPAT believes in transparency and honesty, which will characterise all its activities and which are expected of its members and of those with whom it has dealing.