Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension

Naomi Fisher, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Medicine

I perform clinical investigation into the vascular effects of flavanol-rich foodstuffs and nitric oxide. Currently, with NIH funds we are studying the cardio- and cerebral vascular effects of flavonoid-rich cocoa, which increases vascular reacivity via a nitric-oxide dependent pathway. Our population includes older people with hypertension and diabetes.

A second major focus of my research involves pharmacological interruption of the renin-angiotensin-system, with the goal of determining its role in normal renal physiology and disease. Most recent physiologic studies involve the new renin inhibitor aliskiren. In addition, I am concerned with the effect of race, gender and age on phenotypes of hypertension. All of the physiologic studies above are complemented by genetic analyses.

I see patients in the Hypertension Specialty Clinic, in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension. As director of this clinical service I am also responsible for interpreting ambulatory blood pressure monitor reports and organizing our monthly conferences.

Selected References

1. Fisher NDL, Hughes M, Gerhard-Herman M, Hollenberg NKH.  Flavanol-rich cocoa induces nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in healthy humans.  J Hypertension 2003; 21:2281-2286.
2. Hollenberg NKH, Stevanovic R, Agarwal A, Lansang MC, Price DA, Laffel LMB, Williams GH, Fisher NDL.  Plasma aldosterone concentration in the   patient with diabetes mellitus. Kidney Int 2004;65:1435-1439.
3. Perlstein, TS, Gumieniak O, Hopkins PN, Murphey LJ, Brown NJ, Williams GH,  Hollenberg, NK, Fisher NDL.  Uric acid and the state of the intrarenal  renin-angiotensin system in humans. Kidney Int 2004;66:1-6.

 Contact Information:
(617) 732-5654
nfisher@partners.org