26  Oct 2026: Professor Kazuomi Kario has officially taken up office as ISH President for a term running from 2026 to 2028, succeeding George Stergiou.

Professor Kario is Chair of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Jichi Medical University, Japan. His research focuses on blood pressure measurement, hypertension phenotypes, digital health and wearable technologies, and interventional approaches to hypertension treatment. He took up the role of President at the ISH 2026 Scientific Meeting in Dubai, where the ISH launched new global hypertension practice guidelines.

Kazu served as ISH Secretary from 2024-2026, and has been an active member of the Society’s Council and Executive Committee. He recently led an ISH position paper on digital innovations in hypertension, and founded the HOPE Asia Network in 2018 to advance hypertension research and care across Asia.

Professor Kario said: “The ISH congress in Dubai, the first to be held in the Middle East, was a great success. I am honoured to take up office as ISH President at this milestone. The new ISH guidelines launched at the congress bring together accumulated evidence and expertise in a concise, practical framework. ISH will now focus on implementation: putting these recommendations into everyday practice, supporting patients and healthcare professionals, and ensuring that advances in diagnosis and treatment reach those who need them. I look forward to working with colleagues worldwide to improve blood pressure control and prevent cardiovascular disease.”