New Treatment Option Emerges for Resistant High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, impacting nearly half of adults in the United States, poses significant health risks including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. For those struggling to manage their hypertension, a novel treatment known as renal denervation offers hope.
In a recent case, a patient named Michael Garrity experienced persistent high blood pressure despite adhering to a strict regimen of medications and lifestyle changes. After undergoing renal denervation, a procedure that disrupts overactive nerves around the kidneys, Garrity reported significant improvements in his condition, allowing him to lower his medication doses and achieve normal blood pressure levels for the first time in years.
The mechanism behind renal denervation involves threading a catheter through blood vessels to reach the kidneys, where ultrasound or radiofrequency energy is applied to target surrounding nerves. This minimally invasive procedure aims to alleviate hypertension by interfering with the nerve signals that contribute to elevated blood pressure.
While renal denervation has been available in other countries for some time, its acceptance in the U.S. has been gradual. The FDA approved the procedure after reviewing studies that indicated a modest average decrease in blood pressure for patients who had not responded well to traditional therapies. Although the procedure is not a cure and results can vary, many patients, like Garrity, have experienced marked improvements.
Health professionals emphasize the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, especially since many individuals are unaware they have hypertension until serious complications arise. The American Heart Association recommends annual checks for everyone, even those who feel healthy.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic pressure (the force of blood against artery walls during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure between beats). Normal readings should be less than 120/80 mmHg, but consistent readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher indicate hypertension.
For individuals diagnosed with hypertension, lifestyle modifications are typically the first line of defense. These changes may include weight management, increased physical activity, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and reduced intake of salt and alcohol. However, once blood pressure levels reach 140/90 mmHg or higher, medication becomes essential. Many patients require multiple medications in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
Despite these approaches, some patients deal with treatment-resistant hypertension, which can be particularly challenging. Medical professionals are cautious in selecting candidates for renal denervation, ensuring it is suitable for those who have not benefited from conventional treatment methods.
The recent endorsement of renal denervation by the American Heart Association has led to its expanded availability at select hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital. However, patients and healthcare providers are advised to engage in thorough discussions to determine eligibility and potential benefits, as insurance coverage for the procedure may vary.
Overall, while renal denervation is an emerging option for managing difficult cases of high blood pressure, ongoing research and careful patient selection are critical to optimizing outcomes and ensuring the safety of this innovative treatment.
