Harriet P. Dustan

Dr. Harriet Pearson Dustan

Harriet P. Dustan (1920–1999) was an American physician and medical researcher known for her pioneering work in the field of hypertension. Her contributions significantly advanced the understanding and treatment of high blood pressure, making her a prominent figure in cardiovascular medicine.

Early Life and Education

Harriet P. Dustan was born in 1920. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Smith College, where she developed an interest in the sciences. She later attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, earning her M.D. degree.

Career

Dustan began her medical career at the Cleveland Clinic, where she worked under the mentorship of Dr. Irvine Page, a leading figure in hypertension research. Her early work focused on the mechanisms of blood pressure regulation and the effects of various antihypertensive agents.

In the 1950s, Dustan joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she continued her research on hypertension. She played a crucial role in the development of the antihypertensive drug hydrochlorothiazide, which became a cornerstone in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Research Contributions

Dustan's research provided critical insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension. She was among the first to demonstrate the role of the renin-angiotensin system in blood pressure regulation. Her work also highlighted the importance of early detection and treatment of hypertension to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dustan received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to medicine. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and served as president of the American Heart Association. Her work earned her the prestigious Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research.

Legacy

Harriet P. Dustan's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking research and the many lives saved by the treatments she helped develop. She is remembered as a trailblazer in the field of hypertension and a role model for women in medicine.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular disease
• Renin-angiotensin system
• American Heart Association
• Albert Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research