How dangerous is high blood pressure?
Cardiologist Dr. Patrick Müller from the University Medical Centre Magdeburg receives prestigious Novartis grant for prevention research into high blood pressure
It is considered the number one risk factor for cardiovascular disease in Germany: high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. However, it often remains undetected. Dr. rer. medic. Patrick Müller from the University Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is conducting intensive research into high blood pressure and is now being supported with the Novartis Foundation Graduate Scholarship for Therapeutic Research totalling 8,000 euros. In a current study, the young cardiologist is focussing in particular on the influence of exercise-induced hypertension on the microvasculature, tiny, finely branched vessels that supply the heart with blood. The aim is to develop new therapeutic approaches for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Photo: Dr. Patrick Müller from the University Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology Magdeburg receives the prestigious Novartis Foundation Graduate Scholarship for his research into high blood pressure. Photographer: Melitta Schubert/University Medicine Magdeburg
Dr. Müller is a clinician scientist and is therefore involved in both research and patient care.The graduate scholarship enables him to advance his independent research. "The role of the microvasculature in the development of various diseases such as heart failure and dementia has become increasingly important in recent years," says Müller. As part of his study, he is analysing the effects of exercise-induced hypertension on the microvasculature using state-of-the-art imaging techniques and blood biomarkers. Exercise-induced hypertension is when blood pressure rises too quickly during physical exertion. Dr Müller emphasises: "Exercise-induced hypertension is a decisive factor in the early detection and treatment of high blood pressure."
As part of the study, Dr. Müller is investigating the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors, drugs that are already approved for the treatment of diabetes, heart failure and kidney problems.There are already ongoing studies investigating the influence of SGLT-2 inhibitors on diseases such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and after a heart attack. However, the exact mechanisms of action of these drugs are not yet fully understood."With our study, we want to contribute to a better understanding of these mechanisms and find new approaches for treatment," explains Müller.
The interdisciplinary network of cardiology, neurology, immunology and MRI imaging at the University Medical Centre Magdeburg offers him optimal conditions for his prevention research in the field of cardiovascular diseases.In future, this expertise is to be pooled in a Central German Centre for Vascular Health (MDZG).
Around 30 million people in Germany suffer from high blood pressure. Worldwide, high blood pressure affects around a quarter of the population. This proportion is expected to rise to 29 per cent by 2025. This corresponds to around 1.5 billion people.
About the person
34-year-old Dr. Patrick Müller was born in Magdeburg and has been working as a junior doctor at the Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology Magdeburg since 2022.He studied sports science and psychology at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg from 2009 to 2015 and completed his doctorate at the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases from 2015 to 2018 on the influence of sport on neuroplasticity and dementia prevention.This was followed by a degree in human medicine at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg from 2015 to 2020.
Information for those interested in the study
We are currently looking for test subjects between the ages of 65 and 80 who are suitable for MRI for the study.Participants will receive comprehensive cardiovascular and sports medicine performance diagnostics.Interested persons can contact Dr Müller directly at .
Graduate scholarship from the Novartis Foundation
The Novartis Foundation Graduate Scholarship for Therapeutic Research was established in 1992 and is awarded to promising young scientists who have already made a name for themselves through outstanding achievements and are seeking a career in science. The scholarship is endowed with 8,000 euros and is open to all medical specialisms and research topics. From 2022 to 2024, the universities in Düsseldorf, Hanover, Leipzig, Magdeburg and Ulm will award a scholarship each year and nominate a candidate.
Contact
Dr. rer. medic. Patrick Müller, Assistant doctor at the University Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology Magdeburg, E-Mail: