Dear Colleagues,

We are really very happy to welcome you again in Athens at the 8th Official pre-ESH International Congress Satellite Symposium, entitled “Update on difficult to Control Hypertension and Related Comorbidities”, on 10-11 September, 2021.

In light of the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic we adapted the format of our meeting towards a hybrid way: physical presence and virtual participation. Accordingly, despite some unavoidable changes, the program of the meeting continues to maintain in its own distinct characteristics. Firstly, the short duration of presentations along with the assignment of one panelist per speaker makes the meeting more interactive with the participation of the leaders of ESH Excellence Centers, or ESH affiliated National hypertension societies.

Secondly, half-day of the program is dedicated to renal denervation in light of the ESH consensus statement and the results of the recent trials. These sessions will give us the chance to discuss particularly who will be the ideal candidates for renal denervation Last but not least, following the successful experience from last year, a special session dedicated to ESH Research Projects is included in the program with the expectation that this initiative will strengthen the relations between leaders of ESH Excellence Centers. Participants who are taking care of hypertensive patients (Cardiologists, Internists, Nephrologists, and General Practitioners) after completion of the Symposium will be able to transform into clinical practice the medical knowledge shared in the meeting, leading to better hypertension management.

Having the above in mind, we are really excited to share with you the final scientific program.

Stay tuned, participate and learn.

Costas Tsioufis Chairman of the Symposium Immediate past President of ESH

Roland E. Schmieder Co-Chairman of the Symposium