It should be noted that the relation between hypertension and gastrointestinal disease have been repeatedly discussed during the congress. In particular, the role of gut microbiome in the development of cardiovascular disease seems to be important. Professor D. Mueller (Germany), the awardee of the Bjorn Folkow award,  offered solid arguments how the excessive (and even moderate) salt consumption inhibits the growth of the normal gut microorganisms (Lactobacillus), consequently, leading to the activation of the non-specific cell immunity which can increase the inflammation and atherosclerosis development and progression. Regarding this, he well-known recommendation of salt restriction gets a new pathogenesis basis.

In general, the Meeting 2018 was dedication to professor Alberto Zanchetti (27 July 1926 – 24 March 2018), who has passed away at age of almost 92 years. This outstanding researcher continued investigations and teaching activities till the last day. During his life he made research in various fields, but the most the cardiovascular regulation, both central and autonomic. He was one of the pioneers to implement ambulatory blood pressure monitoring into practice. He was the founder of the International and European Societies of Hypertension… One can hardly list all the achievements of professor A. Zanchetti. For many years, he was the main mover, inspirer and organizer of the annual meetings which gathered specialists from all over the world, giving the opportunity for international experience exchange from different fields and establishing new collaborations in hypertensiology.  For many specialists he became the Mentor, Guru, Advisor and an example of high professionalism, devotion to profession, research, high moral principles and humane and kind attitude to everyone he met. Many of his pupils attended the Congress to honour is memory and to observe a minute of silence. 

Another dedication was held within the Congress. The whole plenary session was the celebration of th 90-year anniversary of the famous, extraordinary researcher Professor Stevo Julius The session was touching, emotional, informal. His pupils, colleagues, friends came from different parts of the world (Australia, USA, Philippines etc.) to express their love, friendship, gratefulness and to share their memories on collaborative projects and studies with Professor Julius. Professor M. Esler (Australia) briefly reported the main achievements and discoveries by professor Julius regarding the role of nervous system in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Professor B. Egan (USA) continued with the overview of the hemodynamic studies. Dr. S. Nesbitt (Dallas, Texas, USA) reported the main results of the legendary study TROPHY, which demonstrated the impact of high-normal blood pressure in cardiovascular risk. Finally, these results contributed to the recent changes in hypertension classification offered by American experts in 2017. Professor A. Mejia (Philippines) ggave an overview of the Tecumseh study, which she called the Julius’ Framingham study.  Professor К. Jamerson (USA) is the only one of the presenting speakers who till nowadays works together (nip and tuck) with professor Julius in the Michigan University Clinic. He talked of the autonomic regulation in metabolic syndrome investigated by professor Julius. Professor P. Palatini (Italy) summarized the results on the investigation of the association between heart rate and cardiovascular disease. These studies strated as early as in 1990-s, including the study VALUE, and they had a big impact inspiring European experts for a Consensus paper (2016) on management of patients with hypertension and high heart, as well as resulted in the inclusion of high heart rate in the list of cardiovascular risk factors (2018). The pupil and friend of professor Julious Professor (S.E. Kjeldsen, Norway) concluded by the summary of the main results of the studies HOT, LIFE and VALUE which were planned and designed in a logic sequence and became the classical studies in cardiology. Each speaker brought a piece of informal presentation – personal memories, archive photos from 1950-1970s), study-related anecdotes etc. Thus, Professor M. Esler demonstrated a photo rom a boat trip taken during the early career of professor Julius. 

Professor S.E. Kjeldsen presented “The Masterminds of the Clinical Trials in Hypertension”– Stevo Julius and Lennart Hansson who inspired and designed the studies HOT, LIFE and VALUE, which drastically changed our understanding of hypertension-related risks and treatment. In the end of the session, professor Julius extended appreciation to all the speakers as well as the audience. He expressed special gratitude to his wife, his partner and keeper of all the scientific parties. In conclusion, he wished all the audience and all the scientists not to take science as a dull business. Memorizing his life and experience, he told that for him and his colleagues the time of study planning and conducting was the best and full of joy (hiking, kayak-paddling, small parties and big festivals during the joint meetings and discussions). He wished to everyone to turn the routine into a festival and to get joy and pleasure in everyday work.