The APAC Recap: AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2024

In this episode of The APAC Recap, Erin Pardee, PA-C, a physician associate and board member of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), is joined by fellow board member and John Giacona, PhD, PA-C, an assistant professor in the Applied Clinical Research Department and the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, to discuss highlights from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2024. Giacona, a hypertension specialist, describes the annual conference as a major event for hypertension researchers and clinicians, offering cutting-edge updates on research, clinical trials, and expert discussions on hypertension management.

This episode begins with Giacona discussing a session focused on primary aldosteronism, the most common endocrine form of secondary hypertension. He underscores the underscreening of this condition, with only 1 to 2% of eligible patients receiving proper evaluation. Giacona goes on to highlight key patient populations who should be screened, including those with resistant hypertension, hypertension with hypokalemia, or adrenal incidentalomas. He also shares practical advice on screening techniques, such as testing plasma aldosterone concentration, plasma renin activity, and potassium levels, even when patients are on medications like spironolactone.

The conversation then shifts to renal denervation, an emerging FDA-approved treatment for resistant hypertension. Giacona notes that while renal denervation yields a modest reduction in blood pressure—comparable to adding a new antihypertensive drug—it could benefit patients who cannot tolerate multiple medications. Giacona outlines ideal candidates for the procedure, such as patients with confirmed combined systolic and diastolic hypertension, but warns against its use in individuals with secondary causes of hypertension, kidney disease, or anatomical issues like renal artery stenosis.

Before closing Giacona encourages cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, and anybody who “has a patient with a blood pressure” to attend future AHA Hypertension sessions. The upcoming AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions occurs September 4 to 7, 2025 in Baltimore, MD.

Editor’s Note: Around the 5:20 mark of this episode, Giacona says renal denervation provides an average blood pressure reduction of 5%. Giacona wants to clarify he misspoke and the proper figure is 5 mmHg.

Pardee and Giacona have no relevant disclosures to report.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and on our YouTube channel.

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