The American Society of Hypertension (ASH) is the largest US organization dedicated exclusively to hypertension and related cardiovascular disease. ASH was founded in 1985 as a Society dedicated to clinical and basic research, and education in hypertension, related cardiovascular disease and vascular health. The mission of the Society became "to organize and conduct educational activities designed to promote and encourage the development, advancement, and exchange of scientific information in all aspects of research, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension, and related cardiovascular diseases."

Today, approximately 95% of Society members hold an MD, PhD, or other advanced degree. The Society continues to fulfill its mission by annual meetings that provide registrants with the rare opportunity to exchange information and ideas with more than 3,000 fellow scientists from around the world. Highlights of the meeting include state-of -the-art lectures by renowned faculty, plenary sessions, original communications, poster presentations, technical and scientific exhibits, and provocative special symposia.

Membership of ASH is open to all those who have undertaken and accomplished meritorious original scientific investigation in the field of hypertension and/or related cardiovascular disease, those involved in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular disease, and those with a demonstrated serious interest in the field. Among the benefits of ASH membership are association and interaction with clinicians and scientists who are world leaders in the field, a listing in the ASH Member Directory used for patient referral, and savings of 50% or more on registration fees for the annual scientific meeting.

The American Society of Hypertension sponsors two award programs annually. The first program, the Young Scholars Award, focuses on the area of ongoing research training in the field of hypertension for young clinicians planning a career in academic medicine. The other award, the ASH Distinguished Scientist Award, recognizes and rewards a senior scientist who has carried out a significant body of work in the field of hypertension or related cardiovascular diseases. Both Awards are presented at the ASH Annual Scientific Meeting, held in May of each year.