Recherche

What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure expresses the pressure exercised by the blood on the artery walls.  When it is too high we speak of high blood pressure, a silent condition that affects about 2.5 million people in Belgium. Often without symptoms, it is nevertheless a key factor in cardiovascular risk. When combined with elements such as being overweight, diabetes or a sedentary lifestyle, it increases significantly the risk of serious complications or even premature death. High blood pressure can also damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and eyes. Care At the Erasmus Hospital, the treatment of high blood pressure rests on a multidisciplinary and individualised approach. Our dedicated medical team of cardiologists, nephrologists, nutritionists, tobaccologists and internal medicine specialists provide comprehensive care and treatment. Each patient is given a thorough examination to assess their cardiovascular risk profile and possible damage to organs. This includes examinations such as ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM), targeted blood tests and cardiac or renal imaging tests if necessary. The treatment combines recommendations on lifestyle, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity and stopping smoking, with the prescribing of appropriate medicines if indicated.  Particular attention is paid to therapeutic education to assist patients in better understanding and managing their condition on a day-to-day basis. Thanks to our expertise and close cooperation between disciplines, the Erasmus Hospital offers optimal care and treatment designed to reduce complications and improve the quality of life of patients with high blood pressure. Advice High blood pressure requires special attention but simple lifestyle changes can help to better manage the condition. Adopt a balanced diet that is low in salt and saturated fats and favouring fruits if you are not diabetic and also vegetables and whole grains. Take regular physical activity and do not smoke or drink to excess. Consult your doctor for regular follow-up. It is important to act quickly if you experience symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, chest pain or breathlessness.  Image Research The Erasmus Hospital  is a reference centre  for treating high blood pressure thanks to a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, nephrologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists and internal medicine specialists.  Some of our blood pressure experts are active members of recognised scientific societies, such as the  European Society for High Blood Pressure (ESH) and the Société Belge d’Hypertension (SBH). These affiliations allow our specialists to contribute actively to the latest progress in research and treatment, ensuring care at the leading edge of current scientific knowledge.  In cooperation with international partners, our teams undertake innovative clinical trials to improve treatment and develop advance monitoring methods such as ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM). Image Focus The Erasmus Hospital High Blood Pressure Clinic specialises in treating patients with high blood pressure. It proposes in-depth consultations, precise diagnosis using high-tech tools such as ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) and personalised follow-up. The clinic’s multidisciplinary approach draws on the expertise of cardiologists, nephrologists and endocrinologists, thereby guaranteeing optimal care and treatment.    Our specialists Related service

What is Histiocytosis? Histiocytosis refers to a group of rare tumour pathologies characterised by the accumulation of histiocytes (a subgroup of immune system cells) in various tissues. This group of diseases includes, most notably,  Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Erdheim-Chester disease, Rosai-Dorfman disease and malignant histiocytoses and cutaneous histiocytoses.  Frequently affected organs are the skin, bones, lungs, pituitary gland, the central nervous system, the heart, the large blood vessels and the retroperitonium.The diagnosis is based on microscopic and genetic analyses carried out on biopsies of the affected organs.  Due to the rarity of these diseases and the sometimes difficult anatomopathological analysis, consultation is required between the reference centres for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment.    Treatment A multidisciplinary approach is adopted for the treatment of histiocytosis. The treatment will depend on the type of histiocytosis and the seriousness of the affected organs  Close monitoring without treatment can sometimes be proposed. In some situations, the use of analgesic medicines and bone consolidation succeeds in managing symptoms.  For certain localised bone or cutaneous forms of histiocytosis, surgery and radiotherapy enable the disease to be managed or even cured. In other more serious situations it can be necessary to have recourse to the use of corticoids or chemotherapy.  In 2010, the discovery of genetic anomalies in cases of histiocytosis made it possible to improve significantly the treatment of severe forms thanks to the use of targeted therapies.  The often chronic nature of these diseases justifies regular monitoring by a specialist in the field of histiocytoses.     Useful linksAssociation Histiocytose France et Groupe d’Etude des Histiocytoses : Histiocytose.org - Histiocytose Langheransienne - histiocytose.orgFilière de santé Maladies Rares Immuno-Hématologiques (MARIH) : Accueil - MaRIH - Filière de santé Maladies Rares Immuno-Hématologiques Our specialists Prof. Virgnie de WildeAssociate Director of Hematology (Erasme) Make an appointment Dr. Tom AbrassartHematologistSpecialist in Histiocytosis Make an appointment Advice Patients with histiocytosis sometimes have a long waiting period before obtaining a firm diagnosis. Please feel free to contact our team regarding a diagnosis and benefit from a medical assessment. Focus Our department is actively involved in  number of protocols for translational and clinical research (expression of BCL2 in histiocytoses, in cooperation with the French reference centre for histiocytoses, under the supervision of Professor Julien Haroche.Do not hesitate to talk to your haematologist.  Discover our Hematology Department