Table 2:

Research Opportunities to Enhance Translation of Hypertension Research

Encourage innovative translational research that requires collaboration among basic and clinical scientists and includes patient-oriented research.

Facilitate training that encourages collaboration and cross-training in basic science and clinical application.

Develop new drugs and treatments (such as potassium-rich diets) to target diverse hypertensive patient populations, such as patients with resistant hypertension.

Capitalize on resources currently or previously supported by NHLBI such as databases, clinical populations, and clinical trial data that will facilitate discovery.

Develop new technologies for better phenotyping of humans and animals through: in vivo imaging, single cell analysis (central repository and analysis), analysis of large datasets, validation of surrogate endpoints and biomarkers, robust long term follow-up, and assessment of tissue and organ-based sympathetic activity.

Support studies on hypertension and aging, including arterial aging, cognition, medication adherence, and complications of antihypertensive therapy.

Support studies related to the role of sex differences in the complications of hypertension and hypertension in pregnancy and preeclampsia.

Develop and use animal models that are best suited to the scientific question posed irrespective of cost.

Develop approaches to optimally detect and reverse antihypertensive medication non-adherence.

Strengthen the evidence base for genetic screening tools for both risk of hypertension and optimal treatment options, with collection of genetic data in clinical trials and population-based studies across the lifespan.

Support clinical trials for early intervention in high BP, particularly in stage 1 hypertension and in younger populations, with long term tracking of outcomes.

Develop strategies to engage health care practitioners in strong patient relationship bonds and trust to promote lifestyle modification in high risk populations.

Support studies that focus on multi-level, collaborative system-based approaches including patients, providers, and/or health systems (at a minimum of two levels).

Encourage researchers to incorporate implementation science methodologies that can look broadly to bridge healthcare and community settings.

Support clinical trials designed to use quasi-experimental or mixed methodologies and those that specifically address the questions, such as “who does it work for?” and “when does it work?”

Convene representatives and leaders from NHLBI, healthcare systems, payers, industry, insurers, and other government agencies to address implementation science in hypertension.

Support training for the next generation of health disparities and implementation science researchers, including lay persons and community health workers.