Abstract
This symposium provided an excellent forum in which to discuss the global burden of hypertension (HTN), its challenges, and approaches to best management in new frontiers. The symposium speakers also reviewed recent data for clinical practice, especially those relevant for patients at high risk of HTN. The presentations were delivered within a highly interactive setting to facilitate audience questions and discussion.
The symposium was opened by Prof Bryan Williams, who gave a description of the global burden of HTN, emphasising the need for effective, simplified treatment strategies and algorithms to effectively control blood pressure (BP). Prof Gordon Thomas McInnes then gave an overview of the challenges faced when treating HTN in the developing world and the best management practices of HTN adopted across different countries. HTN control in Latin America (LA) and the Caribbean region, and its opportunities and challenges was the subject of the next presentation given by Dr Jesús Isea-Pérez. Lastly, Dr Jorge Sison discussed HTN control in Asia and the Middle East, presenting real-world data in addition to a review of the latest clinical data on optimal management of HTN, and focussing on the use of single-pill combination (SPC) therapies. This engaging and interactive symposium was facilitated by multiplechoice questions posed by speakers, allowing audience participation via an electronic voting system. The meeting closed with a lively panel discussion and concluding remarks from Prof Bryan Williams.
This truly international symposium brought together more than 550 delegates from across Europe and North America, Africa and the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions, and Central and South America, with attendees representing a wide range of clinical and professional settings.