Comprehensive Hypertension Center
Comprehensive Hypertension Care
The University of Chicago Medicine's Comprehensive Hypertension Center specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure, including difficult-to-manage hypertension. Our center is accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) and has earned this designation as of 2018.
We are determined to actively manage your hypertension, using individualized care through inpatient and outpatient consultations to patients who have hypertension in addition to other complex health conditions, including:
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• High risk for heart attack or stroke
• Previous occurrence of heart attack or stroke
Skilled physicians from all over the world, including specialties in obstetrics, cardiology, nephrology and endocrinology, refer patients to the Comprehensive Hypertension Center for a second or third opinion on treatment and causes of high blood pressure. Our specialists also see self-referred patients.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
In some cases, a patient is asked to wear a small, portable device called an Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM) to measure their blood pressure over a 24- to 48-hour period. ABPM provides a doctor with a more accurate picture of a patient’s blood pressure and is used to help determine specific causes of hypertension and other cardiovascular risks.
Approach to Tailored Patient Care
Our team specializes in the assessment and treatment of secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure that has been linked to a specific cause — like a blocked renal artery, certain hormonal abnormalities, genetic abnormalities or tumors. After performing a diagnostic evaluation, our team works closely with his team to develop and implement a blood pressure management strategy that is tailored to each patient.
As a member of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center team, Dr. Mohammed A. Rafey is board-certified in hypertension and nephrology (kidney disease). Dr. Rafey has over 20 years' experience managing patients with complex and difficult-to-control hypertension, and he has taken part in several major National Institutes of Health (NIH) and pharmaceutical-sponsored hypertension clinical trials.
High Blood Pressure & Diabetes Research
Ongoing research initiatives give UChicago Medicine patients access to leading-edge treatment techniques for hypertensive disorders. Our physician-scientists are constantly exploring improved strategies for treatment and prevention.
Our hypertension team focuses on the progression of kidney disease. They also investigated how treatment for high blood pressure can slow or prevent progression to dialysis in diabetic patients. The Comprehensive Hypertension Center is housed within the University of Chicago Medicine Kovler Comprehensive Diabetes Center, offering specialized care for patients who have diabetes.