Overview

Hypertension is a condition that results from narrowing of blood vessels in the body. When vessels are narrowed, the heart must work harder to maintain blood flow. Hypertension usually has no symptoms, making diagnosis difficult and the severity great. In the long term, if hypertension is left untreated, it markedly increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. With five million Canadians suffering from hypertension, its management is crucial but often inadequate.

Research on the effects of salt on blood pressure has tended to focus on the kidneys. Hypertension research at the Heart Institute takes an innovative approach by exploring the brain. Assessing the impact of salt on brain function allows researchers to target specific areas affecting the nervous system and, therefore, blood pressure. A better understanding of these brain mechanisms may help explain genetic links to hypertension and may lead to more effective prevention measures and new therapies for patients.

Because the sympathetic nervous system regulates heart function and plays an important role in heart failure, we also pursue research in this area. Heart failure is a term used to describe a heart that is not functioning properly due to damage. Damage to the heart can be caused by many factors including heart attacks, viruses, and malfunctioning heart valves. When the heart is damaged it often stretches and becomes enlarged. As a result, the heart is unable to pump the amount of blood that it needs, resulting in water retention, shortness of breath, and fatigue.