Comprehensive Hypertension Center

In the Comprehensive Hypertension Center, we specialize in the treatment of high blood pressure that is difficult to manage. Our center is accredited by the American Society of Hypertension (ASH) -- the first center in Chicago to earn this designation. We offer individualized care through inpatient and outpatient consultation to patients who have hypertension in addition to other complex health conditions, including:
- Early kidney disease
- Diabetes
- High risk for heart attack or stroke
- Previous occurrence of heart attack or stroke
Physicians in primary care, obstetrics, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, and other specialties refer patients to the Comprehensive Hypertension Center for a second or third opinion on treatment and causes of high blood pressure. Our specialists also see self-referred patients.
Read more about:
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Team Approach to Patient Care
- High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Research
- Our Locations
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
In some cases, we ask patients to wear a small, portable device for blood pressure monitoring. Called Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), this technique takes numerous measurements of a patient's blood pressure over a 24-48 hour period. ABPM provides your doctor a more accurate picture of your blood pressure than a reading taken in the doctor's office. It is used to determine specific causes of hypertension, and also to assess cardiovascular risk.
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Team Approach to Patient Care
George Bakris, MD, is a board-certified hypertension specialist and director of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center. He is also a kidney specialist with expertise in hypertension management of diabetic kidney disease. His team is highly skilled in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of high blood pressure in patients with kidney disease and/or diabetes.
Dr. Bakris' team also specializes in the assessment and treatment of secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure that has been linked to a specific cause -- like a blocked renal artery, certain hormonal abnormalities, genetic abnormalities or tumors. After performing a diagnostic evaluation, Dr. Bakris works closely with his team to develop and implement a blood pressure management strategy that is tailored to each patient.
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High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Research
Ongoing research initiatives, led by the University of Chicago Medicine, allow patients access to leading-edge treatment techniques for hypertensive disorders. Our physician-scientists are constantly exploring improved strategies for treatment and prevention.
In collaboration with the University of Chicago Diabetes Research and Training Center, Dr. Bakris leads clinical studies that examine genetic predisposition to hypertension, and how it interacts with other cardiovascular and renal risk factors that can affect treatment. His research outcomes are applied directly to patient care, helping us to provide advanced treatments for patients with hypertensive disorders.
Dr. Bakris and his team have studied the development of kidney disease in people who have diabetes. His team has also investigated how treatment for high blood pressure can slow or prevent progression to dialysis in diabetic patients. The Comprehensive Hypertension Center is housed within the University of Chicago Kovler Comprehensive Diabetes Center, offering specialized care for patients who have diabetes.
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Our Locations
The Comprehensive Hypertension Center offers personalized care at two convenient locations:
Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine
5758 S. Maryland Avenue, 5A
Chicago, IL 60637
150 E. Huron Street
Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60611
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More Information
- Diabetes Center
- Endocrine Cancers
- Comprehensive Hypertension Center
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease
- Center for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

