In the USA, May 2008 saw the creation of an ongoing partnership between ISVH and the American Society of Hypertension (ASH). An official session was held by ISVH at the twenty-third annual ASH Congress, held in New Orleans, on May 16th. The session consisted of two lively debates. The first discussed “Therapeutic modification of arterial stiffness - dream or reality?”. The Moderator was Professor Joseph Izzo (New York). Arguing for the motion was Professor James Cameron (Melbourne, Australia), and against was Professor John Cockcroft (Cardiff, UK). An extremely active debate followed. The discussion is available on the official ASH Congress CDROM.

The second debate asked the topical question “Do novel biomarkers improve the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular disease?”, the Moderator was Professor Jay Cohn (Minneapolis). Arguing that they do indeed improve management was Professor Kennedy Cruickshank (Manchester, UK), and for the defense was Professor Ernesto Schiffrin (Canada). Another challenging discussion followed.

Finally the debates were summarised by the Chairperson, Professor Suzanne Oparil (Alabama, USA). In the official Response Ratings issued by ASH, these debates were among the highest rated of all ASH Session. The audience reactions were extremely positive.

The ISVH will continue this format with sessions at the next ASH Congress, the twenty-fourth ASH, to be held in San Francisco from 5- 8th May 2009.