Associate Editor on Hypertension in EJPC

Background information on the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (EJPC)

• Official journal of the European Society of Preventive Cardiology
• The EJPC is part of the ESC Journals Family along with another 13 journals.
• Founded in 1994 as the Journal on Cardiovascular Risk. Subsequently the name was changed when the European Association of Preventive Cardiology was established.
• Impact factor 5.84
• Submissions = 2400 annually
• Rejection rate = 94%
• 18 issues annually.
• Publisher - Oxford University Press
• Covers not only all Cardiovascular Heart Disease risk factors, but also all aspects of clinical cardiology, including disease states, primary and secondary preventions and sport cardiology, population science. 

Associate Editor on Hypertension - new role

Prof Gianfranco Parati: The ESC Council on Hypertension has an important role in promoting research in hypertension and also in helping cardiologists take better care of hypertension. Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The journal should be a channel for communication, that is easily accessible to cardiologists.

I cannot see a better place than the EJPC for the publication of hypertension papers.

The other Nucleus members of the Council on Hypertension join me in thanking you, Massimo, for this opportunity.

Massimo Piepoli: Gianfranco Parati is a leading expert in hypertension and it is very important for us to have the Council on Hypertension on board. It is also important for the EJPC to receive original research related to the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinics and treatment of arterial hypertension. Not only pharmacological, but also lifestyle intervention and devices that can be implemented in the treatment of hypertension. 

As Editor-in-Chief of the journal, in-depth reviews and position documents are particularly welcome as we know that they are well-cited and well considered by the audience. 

Gianfranco Parati: Thank you Massimo. The Council on Hypertension prepares position papers or consensus documents each year. Having this journal as a possible target is positive for us and gives us an additional opportunity for dissemination of hypertension-related papers. The Council on Hypertension members are encouraged to submit their hypertension papers to the EJPC.

There is growing evidence that cardiovascular disease should be managed by considering several risk factors and, as you mentioned, acting on lifestyle is extremely important to modify a number of them, including high blood pressure. It is important to raise awareness of this.

Massimo Piepoli: Thank you Gianfranco. I would also like to add that having a dedicated, Associate Editor on Hypertension will definitely trigger more submissions on these important risk factor and it may lead to investment in creating a special issue or supplement related to this risk factor.

The EJPC is a very broad and multi-comprehensive journal regarding risk factors and I hope this will stimulate collaboration within the ESC to create joint consensus documents and position papers. 

Gianfranco Parati: Obviously the aim of this collaboration is also to support the journal. In identifying topics that might reach a wider audience and thus further promote the diffusion and impact of the journal, not only in Europe but worldwide.

Massimo Piepoli: Indeed, one aim of the journal is to broaden its reach outside of Europe. We receive a lot of interest from Asia, South America and Africa. I'm sure the Council on Hypertension will bring even more interest to our field.

Gianfranco Parati: Yes, and it may also give some space to new topics, such as new technologies for blood pressure monitoring including new developments in the field of wearables. Strong support is needed for the validation viewpoint and at the same time, for discussing the best possible strategies to increase the adherence of our patients and modify their lifestyle in a way that really achieves protection and a better and longer life. The Council on Hypertension members may collaborate by providing these papers and might help give new ideas to healthcare professionals with an interest in hypertension.

Massimo Piepoli: I wish success to this future collaboration and hope that is helps to create even more connection and links between the different areas of prevention.

Gianfranco Parati: I'm sure, with your lead, we will do a fantastic job together and the Council members will be happy to contribute to the development of this collaboration.