Key Takeaways:
– High blood pressure is a major health hazard affecting half of US adults.
– The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved renal denervation therapy for patients experiencing high blood pressure resistant to current treatments.
– Mass General Brigham hospital and other facilities are cautiously offering this procedure.
– Renal denervation procedures, on average, showed an 8 to 10-point drop in blood pressure in multiple studies.
– However, it is not a cure and was not tested in those with kidney disease or narrowed arteries.
High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a silent threat affecting approximately half of US adults. It is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even dementia. Many patients suffering from hypertension are unaware of the severity of their condition until it inflicts meaningful damage on their health.
Medical experts emphasize the importance of monitoring your blood pressure numbers regularly. Even people who feel perfectly healthy need at least a yearly check-up. However, effectively managing hypertension for every patient remains a chronic issue, fueling a demand for innovative treatment methods.
Renal Denervation: A Promising Option
Renal denervation, a treatment option approved by the FDA, has shown modest benefits in patients whose blood pressure continues to be high despite taking multiple medications. This course of action disrupts the overly active renal nerves responsible for regulating blood pressure. Although not a panacea for hypertension, it has proven to be helpful for many patients like Michael Garrity, a 62-year-old from Needham, Massachusetts. Garrity, who struggled with dangerously high blood pressure, reported noticeable improvements following the procedure.
The American Heart Association recently recognized the potential in this method. As a result, some hospitals, including Mass General Brigham, now cautiously offer this service as they identify suitable candidates. The study continues to find whether insurance will cover this minimally invasive and costly procedure.
Breaking Down Blood Pressure
Understanding blood pressure numbers is simple. Systolic and diastolic pressures, respectively the top and bottom numbers, make up a blood pressure reading. Normal blood pressure is considered less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day but if consistent readings register 130 over 80 or higher, it becomes critical to take steps to manage it effectively.
Blood Pressure: What You Can Do
While drug therapy is essential for late-stage hypertension, it is not the only solution. Lifestyle alterations, such as weight loss, consumption of a diet featuring more fruits and vegetables, and stress management, can help mitigate hypertension.
For those with treatment-resistant hypertension, the prospects seem limited. Despite regimented medication routines accompanied by strict diets and regular exercise, they continue to struggle with high blood pressure. The solution for these individuals could lie in renal denervation.
Renal Denervation Procedure
In this procedure, doctors infuse ultrasound or radiofrequency energy via a small catheter to the kidneys. These pulses pass through the renal arteries to selectively target surrounding nerves. Although some patients show no improvement following the procedure, multiple studies reported on average an 8-10 point drop in blood pressure.
The Future of High Blood Pressure Control
It is essential to remember that renal denervation is not a miracle cure for hypertension. This procedure was not tested on patients with kidney disease or narrowed arteries, for example, limiting its broad application. In addition, the long-term effects are yet to be discovered, such as whether the nerves might eventually regenerate.
The American Heart Association advises careful, informed discussions between patients and seasoned doctors to identify suitable candidates for renal denervation. The procedure’s success hinges on patient selection and accurate procedural execution.
High blood pressure, a rampant health issue, requires an aggressive, multi-faceted approach for its management. Renal denervation may offer a new, promising path, but more research is needed to fully explore the procedure’s potential. Medical professionals will continue to innovate as they battle against this silent but significant health threat.