16. Baseline arterial blood pressure (BP) >/=140/90 mmHg, despite pharmacologic treatment with antihypertensive agents. If the arterial BP measurements at screening are >/= 140/90 mmHg in a patient not on pharmacologic treatment for hypertension (HTN), we will initiate pharmacologic therapy and reassess the parameters after 1 week. At that time, patient will be eligible for enrollment on the study if arterial BP is found <140/90 mmHg on antihypertensive therapy.