The two researchers are leading a five-year research project designed to make it easier to detect and treat primary hyperaldosteronism – a hormonal disorder that is a common but often overlooked cause of high blood pressure.

“Far too few patients are diagnosed today because current tests are cumbersome, imprecise, and require specialised centres. We expect that new biomarkers and imaging techniques will make it much easier to detect the condition early, so that more patients can receive the correct treatment and, in many cases, be completely cured,” says Esben Laugesen.

The grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation covers salaries for researchers and technicians, advanced hormone analyses, PET scans, biobank facilities, data analysis, and the running of three clinical subprojects.

In these three subprojects, the researchers are testing new screening strategies for patients with high blood pressure. They are also trialling a simpler urine test and comparing a new PET scan with the current invasive standard examination.

In the long term, the research project, carried out in collaboration with researchers from Rigshospitalet, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Cambridge, could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, fewer heart and kidney diseases, and new guidelines for investigating high blood pressure.

Contact

Clinical Associate Professor Esben Laugesen
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus and
Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Medical Diagnostic Centre
Phone: +45 30 28 30 68
Email: esben.laugesen@clin.au.dk