Renal Denervation

There is now potentially a novel treatment for people who have hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) and are unable to control it with medications. 

Hypertension is a silent killer because although the person does not usually have any symptoms, he or she is at much increased risk for having a serious medical problem such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and renal failure if it is not properly controlled. 

The normal blood pressure (BP) is defined as below 140mmHg for systolic BP and below 90mmHg for diastolic BP. The definition of a normal BP is even more stringent for people suffering from diabetes. 

Catheter-based renal denervation is currently available to treat patients whose blood pressure cannot be brought down despite multiple medications at large doses. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to destroy the overactive sympathetic nerves running along the renal arteries which play a role in causing high blood pressure. 

In patients with a systolic BP of greater than 160mmHg and taking at least 3 medications, some studies have demonstrated that this new technique can reduce blood pressure in certain patients when checked six months after the procedure.

This technology is still being developed and studies are ongoing, so that we may be able to identify which patients have the best chance of benefiting. If you think that your blood pressure control is still not well controlled despite lifestyle changes and medications, please discuss with your doctor if this technology may potentially improve your condition. 

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