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Who we are
Welcome to The Dobney Hypertension Centre
The Dobney Hypertension Centre (DHC) is a collaborative venture between The University of Western Australia and Royal Perth Hospital. It is led by Professor Markus Schlaich, an international leader in research of high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. DHC is accredited as a Hypertension Excellence Centre by the European Society of Hypertension, and engages in high quality clinical research with the ultimate aim to better understand the mechanisms that lead to elevated blood pressure. Throughout the year, numerous clinical trials and research studies are run by the dedicated research team that aim to both improve health outcomes, and optimize the treatment of hypertension across the community.
Hypertension is the biggest killer world-wide with an estimated 10 million deaths per year directly attributable to uncontrolled blood pressure. Hypertension comes in many facets: sometimes revealed during pregnancy, frequently associated with obesity and chronic kidney disease, and not rarely presenting itself in the emergency department with hypertensive crises and strokes. While much progress has been made to better understand the underlying causes and manage elevated blood pressure and its consequences, less than 50% of patients diagnosed with hypertension are adequately controlled. The presence of other cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors are important contributors to this scenario and therefore represent another major focus of our research. With our unique methodologies we are at the forefront of research in several of these areas. There are opportunities for volunteers to actively engage and participate in a wide range of clinical studies. If you would like more information about participation in our hypertension studies, please contact our research team.
Understanding Hypertension
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of your blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. Your blood pressure naturally goes up and down all the time, adjusting to your hearts needs depending on what you are doing. A blood pressure reading under 120/80mmHg is considered in the optimal / normal range and readings above 140/90mmHg are considered to be high more commonly known as Hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension or "high blood pressure"is a chronic common condition that may cause long term damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes and blood vessels. It is caused by the blood pressure in the arteries being persistently elevated
Types of hypertension
1. White coat hypertension - elevated blood pressure readings only in a stressful setting such as a doctors office
2. Essential hypertension - most common type with no specific cause, can sometimes be improved by a healthier lifestyle and medication
3. Secondary hypertension - Result of an underlying disorder or abnormality of the kidney, major arteries, adrenal glands or other organs
News & Resources
World First Hypertension Treatment A Success
Researchers at the UWA Dobney Hypertension Centre have taken a step forward in the fight against high blood pressure after the first human trials of a ground-breaking treatment produced successful results. The cutting-edge procedure targets carotid bodies, the tiny organs found on either side of the neck, which regulate the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Click below for more info.
World Hypertension Day
17th May
A global study involving researchers from The University of Western Australia and the Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation has found more than a third of people have high blood pressure but many are unaware they have it. Click the link below for more.
Assistant Professor Vance Matthews looking to unlock the secrets of diabetes
“The numbers are staggering; more than 1.2 million people are living with diabetes in Australia, with the majority of these cases being type 2 diabetes, and it’s believed another two million Australians could have pre-diabetes, putting them at high risk of developing type 2,” article courtesy of Community newspaper, click below for more info.
Fifty per cent of Aussies don't know they have high blood pressure
“A lot of young people think this is something that happens to older people and not so active people but it really can happen to young and active people who have the right diet, and it shows how important it is to get tested to see if you have it or not,” Mr Cornwall said. Click below for further info.
OUR TOP 10 TIPS FOR HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE
1. Keep your weight healthy
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
4. Add beetroot to your diet
5. Cut down on salt
6. Cut down on fat & sugar
7. Stop smoking tobacco
8. Reduce your caffeine intake
9. Don't drink too much alcohol
10. Relax
A SIMPLE MEASURE TO SAVE LIVES #checkyourpressure @maymeasureaustralia
Clinical Trials - Recruiting Now
Support our research
Don't be a statistic, contact the Dobney Hypertension Centre today to join one of our clinical research trials.
If your passionate about spending today in search of tomorrow's cures we'd love to hear from you.
Your donation can make a real difference and give hope for new medical discoveries and for revolutionary treatments.
To register for one of our trials or to make a donation, please call our team on 9224 0209 between 9.00am and 3.00pm weekdays.