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Uyên Châu Nguyên wins UM Dissertation Prize 2025

Uyên Châu Nguyên wins UM Dissertation Prize 2025

29 January 2026

During the Dies Natalis of Maastricht University, Uyên Châu Nguyên received the UM Dissertation Prize 2025.

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Global research network launched to study menopause and heart health

Global research network launched to study menopause and heart health

20 January 2026

Ten international health research funders, including the Dutch Heart Foundation, are investing $10 million in a new global research network to improve early prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. The initiative focuses on understanding how menopause affects heart health and how early intervention can reduce risk.

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Carim Maastricht
Carim Maastricht

Bram Kroon

Professor

Bram Kroon is Pprofessor of Vascular Medicine and Chair of the section of Vascular Medicine of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Maastricht UMC+, and since 2013 Principal Investigator for 'vascular complications of diabetes and hypertension' with a special focus on hypertension and arterial stiffening at CARIM. Bram (A.A.) Kroon (born Geleen, 1959) obtained an MD at the Radboud University in Nijmegen (1984). He was registered as internist in 1990 and obtained a PhD in 1996 (Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen). In 2010, he accepted the position as Chair of the section of Vascular Medicine, a subdivision of the Department of Internal Medicine. In 2016, he was appointed Professor of Vascular Medicine. Nationwide, he holds the Chair of educational board for Vascular Medicine specialists and is member of the Concilium Medicinae Internae since 2015. He is a board member of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) Working Group of Intervention Treatment of Hypertension and a member of the ESH Working Group of Hypertension and the Kidney.

Bram-kroon

Department of Internal Medicine
P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht 
PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht
T: +31 (0)43 387 50 05 (4)

  • 2014
    • van Dooren, M., Staals, J., de Leeuw, P. W., Kroon, A. A., Henskens, L. H., & van Oostenbrugge, R. J. (2014). Progression of Brain Microbleeds in Essential Hypertensive Patients: A 2-Year Follow-up Study. American Journal of Hypertension, 27(8), 1045-1051. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajh/hpu032
    • Ghossein-Doha, C., Spaanderman, M., van Kuijk, S. M. J., Kroon, A. A., Delhaas, T., & Peeters, L. (2014). Long-Term Risk to Develop Hypertension in Women With Former Preeclampsia: A Longitudinal Pilot Study. Reproductive Sciences, 21(7), 846-853. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719113518989
    • Huijts, M., Duits, A., Staals, J., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & van Oostenbrugge, R. J. (2014). Basal Ganglia Enlarged Perivascular Spaces are Linked to Cognitive Function in Patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Current Neurovascular Research, 11(2), 136-141. https://doi.org/10.2174/1567202611666140310102248
  • 2013
    • Huijts, M., Duits, A., van Oostenbrugge, R. J., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & Staals, J. (2013). Accumulation of MRI markers of cerebral small vessel disease is associated with decreased cognitive function. A study in first-ever lacunar stroke and hypertensive patients. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 5(NOV), Article 72. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2013.00072
    • van Twist, D. J. L., Houben, A. J. H. M., de Haan, M. W., Mostard, G. J. M., Kroon, A. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2013). Angiotensin-(1-7)-Induced Renal Vasodilation in Hypertensive Humans Is Attenuated by Low Sodium Intake and Angiotensin II Co-Infusion. Hypertension, 62(4), 789-793. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01814
    • Smit, J. V., Wierema, T. K. A., Kroon, A. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2013). Blood pressure and renal function before and after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty in fibromuscular dysplasia: A cohort study. Journal of Hypertension, 31(6), 1183-1188. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e32836044b2
    • Alnima, T., de Leeuw, P. W., Tan, F. E. S., & Kroon, A. A. (2013). Renal Responses to Long-Term Carotid Baroreflex Activation Therapy in Patients With Drug-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension, 61(6), 1334-U425. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.113.01159
    • Weijs, B., de Vos, C. B., Tieleman, R. G., Peeters, F., Limantoro, I., Kroon, A. A., Cheriex, E. C., Pisters, R., & Crijns, H. J. G. M. (2013). The occurrence of cardiovascular disease during 5-year follow-up in patients with idiopathic atrial fibrillation. EP Europace, 15(1), 18-23. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/eus203
  • 2012
    • Boesten, J. E. J., Kaper, J., Stoffers, H. E. J. H., Kroon, A. A., & van Schayck, O. C. P. (2012). Rimonabant improves obesity but not the overall cardiovascular risk and quality of life; results from CARDIO-REDUSE (CArdiometabolic Risk reDuctIOn by Rimonabant: the Effectiveness in Daily practice and its USE). Family Practice, 29(5), 521-527. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cms013
    • Alnima, T., Scheffers, I., De Leeuw, P. W., Winkens, B., Jongen-Vancraybex, H., Tordoir, J. H. M., Schmidli, J., Mohaupt, M. G., Allemann, Y., & Kroon, A. A. (2012). Sustained acute voltage-dependent blood pressure decrease with prolonged carotid baroreflex activation in therapy-resistant hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 30(8), 1665-1670. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e3283551f10
    • Rouhl, R. P. W., Damoiseaux, J. G. M. C., Lodder, J., Theunissen, R. O. M. F. I. H., Knottnerus, I. L. H., Staals, J., Henskens, L. H. G., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., Tervaert, J. W. C., & van Oostenbrugge, R. J. (2012). Vascular inflammation in cerebral small vessel disease. Neurobiology of Aging, 33(8), 1800-1806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.04.008
    • Ronden, R. A., Houben, A. J. H. M., Teerlink, T., Bakker, J. A., Bierau, J., Stehouwer, C. D. A., De Leeuw, P. W., & Kroon, A. A. (2012). Reduced renal plasma clearance does not explain increased plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine in hypertensive subjects with mild to moderate renal insufficiency. American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, 303(1), F149-F156. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00045.2012
    • van Onzenoort, H. A. W., Verberk, W. J., Kroon, A. A., Kessels, A. G. H., Neef, C., van der Kuy, P. H. M., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2012). Electronic monitoring of adherence, treatment of hypertension, and blood pressure control. American Journal of Hypertension, 25(1), 54-59. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajh.2011.153
    • Rouhl, R. P. W., Mertens, A. E. C. S., van Oostenbrugge, R. J., Damoiseaux, J. G. M. C., Debrus-Palmans, L. L., Henskens, L. H. G., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., Lodder, J., & Tervaert, J. W. C. (2012). Angiogenic T-Cells and Putative Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hypertension-Related Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Stroke, 43(1), 256-U509. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.632208
    • Hoppe, U. C., Brandt, M.-C., Wachter, R., Beige, J., Rump, L. C., Kroon, A. A., Cates, A. W., Lovett, E. G., & Haller, H. (2012). Minimally invasive system for baroreflex activation therapy chronically lowers blood pressure with pacemaker-like safety profile: results from the Barostim neo trial. Journal of the American Society of Hypertension, 6(4), 270-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jash.2012.04.004
  • 2011
    • van Onzenoort, H. A. W., Menger, F. E., Neef, C., Verberk, W. J., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & van der Kuy, P.-H. M. (2011). Participation in a Clinical Trial Enhances Adherence and Persistence to Treatment A Retrospective Cohort Study. Hypertension, 58(4), 573-578. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.111.171074
    • Weijs, B., Blaauw, Y., Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., Schurgers, L. J., Timmermans, C. C. M. M., Pison, L., Nieuwlaat, R., Hofstra, L., Kroon, A. A., Wildberger, J., & Crijns, H. J. G. M. (2011). Patients using vitamin K antagonists show increased levels of coronary calcification: an observational study in low-risk atrial fibrillation patients. European Heart Journal, 32(20), 2555-2562. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehr226
    • Maitland-van der Zee, A.-H., van Wieren-de Wijer, D. B. M. A., de Boer, A., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., Schiffers, P., Janssen, R. G. J. H., Psaty, B. M., Duijn, C. M. V., Stricker, B. H. C., & Klungel, O. H. (2011). Genetic variation in the renin-angiotensin system, use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and the risk of myocardial infarction. Journal of the Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone System, 12(3), 208-214. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470320310391834
    • Bisognano, J. D., Bakris, G., Nadim, M. K., Munoz Sanchez, J. L., Kroon, A. A., Schafer, J., de Leeuw, P. W., & Sica, D. A. (2011). Baroreflex Activation Therapy Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients With Resistant Hypertension Results From the Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Rheos Pivotal Trial. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(7), 765-773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2011.06.008
    • van den Born, B. J. H., Beutler, J. J., Gaillard, C. A. J. M., de Gooijer, A., van den Meiracker, A. H., & Kroon, A. A. (2011). Dutch guideline for the management of hypertensive crisis-2010 revision. Netherlands Journal of Medicine, 69(5), 248-255.
    • Krum, H., Schlaich, M., Sobotka, P., Scheffers, I., Kroon, A. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2011). Novel procedure- and device-based strategies in the management of systemic hypertension. European Heart Journal, 32(5), 537-544. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehq457
    • Mulders, T. A., Meyer, Z., van der Donk, C. F. M., Kroon, A. A., Ferreira, I., Stehouwer, C. D. A., & Pinto-Sietsma, S. J. (2011). Patients with premature cardiovascular disease and a positive family history for cardiovascular disease are prone to recurrent events.International Journal of Cardiology, 153(1), 64-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.08.040
    • Henskens, L. H. G., van Boxtel, M. P. J., Kroon, A. A., van Oostenbrugge, R. J., Lodder, J., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2011). Sleep disturbance increases the nocturnal blood pressure level and attenuates the correlation with target organ damage. Journal of Hypertension, 29(2), 242-250. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e32834192d5
    • Baartmans, M. G. A., Dokter, J., Hollander, C. F., Kroon, A. A., & Oranje, A. P. (2011). Use of Skin Substitute Dressings in the Treatment of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in Neonates and Young Infants. Neonatology, 100(1), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.1159/000317997
  • 2010
    • Rouhl, R. P. W., van Oostenbrugge, R. J., Theunissen, R. O. M. F. I. H., Knottnerus, I. L. H., Staals, J., Henskens, L. H. G., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., Lodder, J., Tervaert, J. W. C., & Damoiseaux, J. G. M. C. (2010). Autoantibodies Against Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease. Stroke, 41(11), 2687-2689. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.592725
    • Scheffers, I. J. M., Kroon, A. A., Schmidli, J., Jordan, J., Tordoir, J. H. M., Mohaupt, M. G., Luft, F. C., Haller, H., Menne, J., Engeli, S., Ceral, J., Eckert, S., Erglis, A., Narkiewicz, K., Philipp, T., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2010). Novel Baroreflex Activation Therapy in Resistant Hypertension Results of a European Multi-Center Feasibility Study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 56(15), 1254-1258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2010.03.089
    • Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., van Varik, B. J., Schurgers, L. J., Hamulyak, K., ten Cate, H., Leiner, T., Vermeer, C., de Leeuw, P. W., & Kroon, A. A. (2010). Chronic coumarin treatment is associated with increased extracoronary arterial calcification in humans. Blood, 115(24), 5121-5123. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2010-01-264598
    • Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., de Leeuw, P. W., Kessels, A. G. H., Schurgers, L. J., Vermeer, C., van Engelshoven, J. M. A., Kemerink, G. J., & Kroon, A. A. (2010). Calcium scores and matrix Gla protein levels: association with vitamin K status. European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 40(4), 344-349. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02275.x
    • Scheffers, I. J. M., Kroon, A. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2010). Carotid Baroreflex Activation: Past, Present, and Future. Current Hypertension Reports, 12(2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-009-0087-5
    • van Onzenoort, H. A. W., Verberk, W. J., Kroon, A. A., Kessels, A. G. H., Nelemans, P. J., van der Kuy, P.-H. M., Neef, C., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2010). Effect of self-measurement of blood pressure on adherence to treatment in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Journal of Hypertension, 28(3), 622-627. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e328334f36b
    • van Onzenoort, H. A. W., Verberk, W. J., Kessels, A. G. H., Kroon, A. A., Neef, C., van der Kuy, P.-H. M., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2010). Assessing Medication Adherence Simultaneously by Electronic Monitoring and Pill Count in Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Hypertension. American Journal of Hypertension, 23(2), 149-154. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajh.2009.207
    • Staals, J., Henskens, L. H. G., Delanghe, J. R., van Oostenbrugge, R. J., Kessels, A. G., Kroon, A. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & Lodder, J. (2010). Haptoglobin Phenotype Correlates with the Extent of Cerebral Deep White Matter Lesions in Hypertensive Patients. Current Neurovascular Research, 7(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.2174/156720210790820163
    • Rennenberg, R. J. W. M., Schurgers, L. J., Kroon, A. A., & Stehouwer, C. D. A. (2010). Arterial calcifications. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 14(9), 2203-2210. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1582-4934.2010.01139.x
    • Ronden, R. A., Houben, A. J. H. M., Kessels, A. G. H., Stehouwer, C. D. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & Kroon, A. A. (2010). Predictors of clinical outcome after stent placement in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies.Journal of Hypertension, 28(12), 2370-2377. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e32833ec392
    • Hermeling, E., Hoeks, A. P. G., Winkens, M. H. M., Waltenberger, J. L., Reneman, R. S., Kroon, A. A., & Reesink, K. D. (2010). Noninvasive Assessment of Arterial Stiffness Should Discriminate Between Systolic and Diastolic Pressure Ranges. Hypertension, 55(1), 124-130. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.109.143867
  • 2009
    • Plat, A. W., Kroon, A. A., Van Schayck, C. P., De Leeuw, P. W., & Stoffers, H. E. J. H. (2009). Obtaining the family history for common, multifactorial diseases by family physicians. A descriptive systematic review. European Journal of General Practice, 15(4), 231-42. https://doi.org/10.3109/13814780903447572
    • Plat, A. W., Stoffers, H. E., de Leeuw, P. W., van Schayck, C. P., Soomers, F. L., Kester, A. D., Aretz, K., & Kroon, A. A. (2009). The influence of six cardiovascular polymorphisms on a first event of ischemic heart disease is modified by sex and age. Coronary Artery Disease, 20(8), 499-505. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCA.0b013e328330d541
    • Plat, A. W., Stoffers, H. E. J. H., de Leeuw, P. W., van Schayck, C. P., Soomers, F. L., Kester, A. D. M., Aretz, K., & Kroon, A. A. (2009). Sex-specific effect of the alpha-adducin (G460W) and AGTR1 (A1166C) polymorphism on carotid intima-media thickness. Journal of Hypertension, 27(11), 2165-73. https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0b013e3283300506
    • Plat, A. W., Stoffers, H. E. J. H., Klungel, O. H., van Schayck, C. P., de Leeuw, P. W., Soomers, F. L., Schiffers, P. M., Kester, A. D. M., & Kroon, A. A. (2009). The contribution of six polymorphisms to cardiovascular risk in a Dutch high-risk primary care population: the HIPPOCRATES project. Journal of Human Hypertension, 23(10), 659-67. https://doi.org/10.1038/jhh.2009.6
    • Plat, A. W., Stoffers, H. E. J. H., de Leeuw, P. W., van Schayck, C. P., Soomers, F. L., Kester, A. D. M., Aretz, K., & Kroon, A. A. (2009). The association between arterial stiffness and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (A1166C) polymorphism is influenced by the use of cardiovascular medication. Journal of Hypertension, 27(1), 69-75. https://doi.org/10.1097/hjh.0b013e328317f215
    • Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., Kessels, A. G. H., Schurgers, L. J., van Engelshoven, J. M. A., de Leeuw, P. W., & Kroon, A. A. (2009). Vascular calcifications as a marker of increased cardiovascular risk: a meta-analysis. Vascular health and risk management, 5(1), 185-97. https://doi.org/10.2147/vhrm.s4822
  • 2007
    • Verberk, W. J., Kroon, A. A., Lenders, J. W. M., Kessels, A. G. H., van Montfrans, G. A., Smit, A. J., van der Kuy, P.-H. M., Nelemans, P. J., Rennenberg, R. J. M. W., Grobbee, D. E., Beltman, F. W., Joore, M. A., Brunenberg, D. E. M., Dirksen, C., Thien, T., de Leeuw, P. W., & Home Versus Office Measurement, Reduction of Unnecessary Treatment Study Investigators (2007). Self-measurement of blood pressure at home reduces the need for antihypertensive drugs: a randomized, controlled trial. Hypertension, 50(6), 1019-25. https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.107.094193
    • Dielis, A. W. J. H., Smid, M., Spronk, H. M. H., Houben, A. J. H. M., Hamulyák, K., Kroon, A. A., Ten Cate, H., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2007). Changes in fibrinolytic activity after angiotensin II receptor blockade in therapy-resistant hypertensive patients. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, 5(7), 1509-15. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-7836.2007.02577.x
    • Hermans, M. M. H., Kooman, J. P., Meinders, J. M., van der Sande, F. M., Brandenburg, V., Ketteler, M., Damoiseaux, J. G. M. C., Cohen Tervaert, J. W., Ferreira, I., Konings, C. J. A. M., Rensma, P. L., Gladziwa, U., Kroon, A. A., Hoeks, A. P. G., Stehouwer, C. D. A., & Leunissen, K. M. L. (2007). Spatial inhomogeneity of common carotid artery intima media is increased in dialysis patients and is independently related to antibodies to oxidized-LDL and serum fetuin-A concentration. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 22 (4), 1205-1212. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfl750
    • Verberk, W. J., Kroon, A. A., Jongen-Vancraybex, H. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2007). The applicability of home blood pressure measurement in clinical practice: a review of literature. Vascular health and risk management, 3(6), 959-966.
  • 2006
    • van Boxtel, M. P. J., Henskens, L. H. G., Kroon, A. A., Hofman, P. A. M., Gronenschild, E. H. B. M., Jolles, J., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2006). Ambulatory blood pressure, asymptomatic cerebrovascular damage and cognitive function in essential hypertension. Journal of Human Hypertension, 20, 5-13. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001934
  • 2005
    • Dielis, A. W. J. H., Smid, M., Spronk, H. M. H., Hamulyak, K., Kroon, A. A., ten Cate, H., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2005). The prothrombotic paradox of hypertension: role of the renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems. Hypertension, 46(6), 1236-42. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000193538.20705.23
    • Plat, A. W., te Wierik, M. J. M., Kroon, A. A., Schouten, H. J. A., van den Akker, M., van Schayck, C. P., de Leeuw, P. W., Hajema, K.-J., & Stoffers, H. E. J. H. (2005). Regional differences in cardiovascular risk factor profile cannot fully explain differences in cardiovascular morbidity in the Netherlands: a comparison of two urban areas. Netherlands Journal of Medicine, 63(8), 309-315.
    • Hommels, M. J., van der Ven, A., Kroon, A. A., Kessels, A. G. H., van Dieijen-Visser, M. P., van Engelshoven, J. M. A., Bruggeman, C. A., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2005). C-reactive protein, atherosclerosis and kidney function in hypertensive patients. Journal of Human Hypertension, 19(7), 521-526. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001878
  • 2004
    • van Onna, M. J. H., Kroon, A. A., Houben, A. J. H. M., Koster, D., Zeegers, M. P. A., Henskens, L. H. G., Plat, A. W., Stoffers, H. E. J. H., & de Leeuw, P. W. (2004). Genetic risk of atherosclerotic renal artery disease: the candidate gene approach in a renal angiography cohort. Hypertension, 44(4), 448-453. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.HYP.0000141440.02210.da
Overview