ASH Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco May 14-18

Newswise — The American Society of Hypertension's Twentieth Annual Scientific Meeting will be held in San Francisco this year from Saturday, May 14th to Wednesday May 18th at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. This year's program will feature the new definition and classification of hypertension, which could significantly change and improve the way physicians diagnose and treat hypertension. The Meeting will also have sessions on the latest research data and findings of pertinent clinical trials and studies that will impact the treatment of hypertension and vascular health.

This year's media program will have a variety of activities ranging from Late Breaker Press Conferences (new findings of large clinical trials); Press Briefings on the latest studies (abstracts); Q&A sessions with leading experts on topical & timely themes, and our first even 100% Spanish press briefing on "Hypertension in Hispanic Populations. [More details below.]

Please note, photography is limited during the sessions and presentations, however, media are free to photograph in the pressroom. If you are interested in photographing during the sessions, you will need to notify the press personnel of ASH in advance for permission and be accompanied by ASH press personnel. There will be no videotaping or filming during the scientific and poster sessions, presentations, and in the exhibit hall. Camera crews, however, will be allowed to tape or film in the pressroom, during press conferences, and in locales designated by the PR Manager. Please call for further information.

The media program is the following: (may be subject to minor changes and additions):

Sunday, May 15th

Press Briefing on: The New Definition and Classification of Hypertension (8:30 am)

New Frontiers in CV Imaging &Upcoming Trends In Hypertension Diagnosis & Treatment (TBC)- Nanotechnologies- Biomarkers- Stem Cells

Monday, May 16th

-Q&A Session With the Experts: What's The Verdict? Implications of the Latest Studies on Treating Hypertension in Blacks (10:00 a.m.)· Dr. Keith Ferdinand provides the latest in racial disparities· Controversies in ACEs/ARBs in Blacks " To Use In African Americans or Not To Use? What do the experts say? Dr. Kenneth Jamerson (pro) and Dr. Jackson White (con)· New Study Findings: Greater Blood Pressure Disparities in Leaner White and Black Individuals)

Press Briefing (12:00 noon): New Study Findings With Consumer Applications:· Is Sexual Dysfunction & Erectile Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients Higher?· Does Chronic Hormone Replacement Therapy Have an Impact on Vascular Health?· What is Blood Pressure's Response to Mental Stress & Organ Damage· Do Seasonal Changes Have a Substantial Impact on Blood Pressure?· Physical Exercise: Does It Make A Difference in Normotensive and Hypertensive Patients?· Pediatric Guidelines One Year Later, Obesity In Children A Large Concern

Press Q&A Session with the Experts in Press Room immediately following the debate on: The Development of Diabetes in Antihypertensive Therapy " Yes or No? Drs. Verdecchia and Dr. Marvin Moser (2:00p.m.)

Press Q&A Session with the Experts in Press Room immediately following the debate on: FDA Policy and Drug Development: Do We Need a Change? Dr . George Bakris, Dr. Barry Massie, Dr. Norman Stockbridge

Tuesday, May 17th

Late Breaker Press Conferences for Clinical Trials (Press Briefing at 11:30a.m; news embargoed until 12:30pm)· VALUE· INCLUSIVE· AVALON

Wednesday, May 18th

Closing Media Breakfast with President of ASH (9:00 a.m.)Dr. Thomas Giles will provide overall commentary on new directions, trends and treatment options; and the implications of the new definition and classification of Hypertension, and what it means moving forward in diagnosing and treating patients

English Press Briefing: Summary of Hypertension in the Hispanic Population: A GrowingPublic Health Concern (9:30a.m.)

· Hypertension in Hispanic Populations " A Growing Public Health Concern· Multiple Etiologies Specifically Affecting Hypertension in the Hispanic Population· Study Results: Epidemiology of Overweight and Obesity in Hypertensive Hispanic Patients (Dr. Ramon Romero)

100% Spanish Press Briefing: Hypertension in the Hispanic Population: A Growing Public Health Concern (10:00a.m.) · How Waistline Obesity Impacts Hypertension in Hispanics

We look forward to working with you at ASH 2005. If you see a presentation or topic of particular interest and an expert you would like to interview at the Meeting, don't hesitate to contact us in advance of the meeting.