Established in 1966, the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) is committed to promoting and encouraging the advancement of scientific research and knowledge and its application to the prevention and management of heart disease and stroke in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases around the world.

The Society was registered as a charity in England and Wales in December 2007 and as a registered charitable incorporated organisation in England and Wales in September 2023 (registered charity number: 1204969).

Vision

Leading the drive towards the global elimination of raised blood pressure and its complications.

Mission

To reduce the global burden of raised blood pressure.

The ISH is dedicated to scientific innovation and advances in medical care in the field of hypertension.

The ISH will endeavour to achieve this philanthropic mission through collaborations, scientific meetings, publications, outreach, and other activities that:

• Raise public awareness of the importance of early recognition and treatment of high blood pressure
• Support, reach out to, and facilitate networking between investigators, teachers, fellows, clinicians and students interested in hypertension and related diseases globally
• Share current knowledge and new discoveries – via the ISH website, the ISH Biennial Scientific Meetings, and various workshops and educational events
• Support research to achieve optimal care of people with hypertension
• Promote multidisciplinary collaborative research
• Encourage, promote and organise postgraduate training and international exchange of investigators, teachers, fellows and students
• Develop a consensus and guidelines on hypertension prevention and treatment
• Advocate patient rights and educate the public as well as medical professionals
• Serve and unite communities
• Provide education and training worldwide; and ultimately
• Reduce the frequency and impact of high blood pressure and its associated conditions

Principles and Values

The International Society for Hypertension (ISH) is founded upon the guiding principles of integrity and diversity of all international societies and charitable organisations.

• Commitment to Excellence
  ISH values new knowledge and is committed to excellence in research, education, and patient care in the developed and developing world.
• Respect for Expertise
  ISH values expertise and the full range of skills and disciplines that are needed for the realisation of its objectives and mission.
• Respect for Science
  ISH recognises that good healthcare is based on evidence, and that the origins of evidence lie in responsible research and scientific method.
• Commitment to Independence from Inappropriate Influence
  ISH works for the public good and will not be influenced by commercial or other considerations that are contrary to the interests of people affected by hypertension.
• Commitment to Integrity, Openness and Accountability
  ISH believes in transparency and honesty, which will characterise all its activities and which are expected of its members and of those with whom it has dealing.
• Importance of Membership
  ISH recognises the importance of membership for the realisation of its objectives regardless of individuals’ expertise level or nationality.

ISH has a Council, whose members are also the Trustees of the Charity. Council members are responsible for furthering the aspirations and activities of the ISH, ensuring its efficient running and helping secure its continuity for the future. The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Society, has a duty of supervising the affairs of the Society, of making the necessary arrangements for the next ISH Biennial Scientific and General Meetings and other scientific activities, of overseeing the work of all committees and working parties, and for giving final consideration for all nominations for membership. Standing committees exist to carry out specific activities and purposes of the Society. An organogram follows to detail the structure of the current Society, committee and working groups.

The Council is responsible for furthering the aspirations and activities of the ISH, ensuring its efficient running and controlling its property and funds. Council Members are elected members of the Society. A variety of committees, advisory groups, and working groups have been constituted to enable the Council to fulfil its mandate.

The society welcomes applications from trainees, junior and established scientists, clinicians, health care providers, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, community healthcare workers, members of the public, patients, carers and journalists, all with a common interest in hypertension research.

We have three membership categories including options to join the ISH for free as an Associate Member or a Trainee. There are also reduced and free memberships available for some parts of the world.

ISHF is a symbol of excellence. The election as an International Society of Hypertension Fellow (ISHF) recognises and honours Members of the Society who have distinguished themselves through excellence in clinical practice or research in the field of hypertension.

The ISH Capacity Building Network (CBN) offers career development and networking opportunities for early and mid-career researchers and those from under-represented backgrounds.

The International Society of Hypertension (ISH) has established Regional Advisory Groups (RAGs) for major regions of the world;

Purpose and key areas of responsibility for the RAGs:

To provide ISH representation globally, distil regional issues and encourage and enhance education, good clinical practice and biomedical research in the fields of hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases.

Our Partners include affiliated national and regional societies of hypertension or cardiac societies, industry (Corporate Members) and other related global organisations.

Companies wishing to become Corporate Members of the ISH should contact the Society.

The ISH Council would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following Corporate Members who are participating in the ISH and therefore helping to promote the advancement of scientific research and knowledge in hypertension and associated cardiovascular diseases.

The ISH Awards Committee assists with the selection of awards to individuals, groups or institutions honoured by the Society. This Committee is normally chaired by the Secretary of the Society.

The current version of the ISH Constitution was adopted in September 2022. Separate policy documents contain the specific rules and regulations governing relevant areas including membership, delegation by the Council of its functions to committees and awards and prizes.

View the constitution and policy documents below.

ISH Constitution (last updated September 2022)
ISH Awards and Prizes Regulations (last updated February 2024)
ISH Membership Regulations (last updated December 2023)
ISH endorsement policy

The ISH is positively committed to opposing discrimination against people on the grounds of gender, race, colour, nationality, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, class, age, disability, having dependants, HIV status or perceived lifestyle.