As part of the Personalized Medicine course, Prof. Dr. Dejan Bokonjić delivered a detailed and forward-thinking lecture on "A Framework for Understanding Personalized Treatment of Hypertension."
Prof. Bokonjić began by introducing the personalization approach in hypertension treatment, emphasizing that a one-size-fits-all model is no longer sufficient in managing such a complex and widespread condition. He discussed how individualized care—based on genetic, physiological, and lifestyle factors—can lead to better blood pressure control and improved long-term outcomes.
A central theme of the lecture was the role of pharmacogenomics-guided treatment, where Prof. Bokonjić explained how genetic testing can help identify the most effective antihypertensive medications for each patient, minimizing adverse effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
He also addressed the heterogeneity in response to hypertension treatment, highlighting how age, ethnicity, comorbidities, and genetic variations all influence how patients respond to different drug classes and treatment strategies.
Finally, the lecture covered the concept of personalised blood pressure goals, moving beyond rigid targets and encouraging a more nuanced approach that considers each patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile, organ function, and quality of life.
This lecture provided students with a comprehensive framework for applying personalized medicine principles to hypertension management, reinforcing the importance of precision, data-driven decisions, and patient-centered care in modern clinical practice.