For Editors
Practical guidance for independent, evidence-led editorial work on hypertension and cardiovascular manuscripts.
The purpose is to support scholarly judgment, respectful communication, and responsible handling of potential ethical concerns. It does not add a time or acceptance commitment.
Before handling a manuscript
Establish whether you can assess the manuscript independently and with the necessary subject expertise.
- Confirm that the manuscript falls within your relevant hypertension or cardiovascular expertise.
- Identify any competing interest and step back where it could affect independent judgment.
- Treat the manuscript and editorial discussion as confidential.
Initial editorial assessment
Assess the submission on its scholarly merits and its relevance to the journal.
Question and contribution
Consider the research question, originality, relevance to cardiovascular medicine, and the contribution the manuscript could make to the field.
Methods and reporting
Consider whether the methods, analysis, reporting, declarations, and ethical information are sufficient for informed peer review.
Communication
Communicate clearly and respectfully. Do not present editorial handling as a commercial or personal benefit.
Selecting reviewers
Select reviewers whose knowledge matches the manuscript and who can assess it independently.
- Seek relevant hypertension or cardiovascular subject expertise.
- Consider independence and potential conflicts before inviting a reviewer.
- Share only the information needed for the review process and preserve confidentiality.
Decisions, concerns and support
Editorial decisions should be based on the evidence, reviewer input, and the applicable journal and publisher policies.
Decision standards
Distinguish reviewer recommendations from the editor’s responsibility to make a reasoned decision.
Ethical concerns
When a concern arises, use the editorial policies and publisher ethics guidance rather than inventing a separate process.
Support route
Use the existing editorial office contact for a question that cannot be resolved through the published policy.
Editorial work serves scholarly judgment, not commercial outcomes.
Use the published policies as the reference point for a manuscript-specific concern or contact the editorial office for support.