Starting with this issue of The Journal of Clinical Hypertension (JCH), the complete contents of our former sister publication, the Journal of the Cardiometabolic Syndrome, will be included as an integral part of our Journal. At one stroke, we will now be offering readers an even broader and deeper view of the spectrum of cardiovascular disease.
Even better, I am delighted to report that Dr James Sowers, who has been so successful in guiding the Journal of the Cardiometabolic Syndrome, has agreed to continue his editorial responsibility for this major addition to JCH. As well, the editorial board assembled by Dr Sowers will continue its important work. And, beyond acknowledging my personal pleasure that my good friend Jim Sowers is joining our enterprise, I cannot conceal my professional satisfaction that the contributions of this internationally acclaimed leader, researcher, and teacher in metabolic and cardiovascular medicine will now be more directly accessible to our readers.
The format of the new JCH will be straightforward. The first part—like before—will still print articles that focus on hypertension and its related areas. But then, in an independent second section, will come the papers in the cardiometabolic domain. The clinical and scientific logic behind this combination of material is obvious: conditions such as hypertension, obesity, lipid disorders, and glucose intolerance should not just be considered separately but also as parts of the same disease constellation.
JCH is an official journal of the American Society of Hypertension (ASH) and, to a meaningful extent, this development with the Journal reflects ongoing changes in the evolution of the Society. Without question, ASH will always be the authoritative voice of hypertension in the United States. But, at the same time, it is progressively broadening its leadership role as the home for primary care physicians and specialists with interests across multiple areas of cardiovascular health, particularly in the realm of protection.
So, to James Sowers and his colleagues, a warm welcome to JCH as we expand our Journal and work together with ASH in addressing the most highly prevalent conditions that affect the American people.