Doctors say that a new blood pressure procedure is a "game-changer" for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension.

Individuals with refractory hypertension may gain advantage from a recently authorized treatment procedure by the FDA.

The procedure aims to regulate high blood pressure by targeting nerves near the kidneys when medications are ineffective.

Earlier this month, a patient with uncontrolled hypertension underwent a new procedure performed by Dr. Samin Sharma, an interventional cardiologist and director of the Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Clinical Institute at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City.

Sharma informed Planet Chronicle Digital that when the device arrived, they said, "We will attempt to put it on you."

"He said yes and was very happy."

Here's how it works

Sharma stated that the treatment involves ablating the overstimulated sympathetic nerves near the kidneys.

The medication can manage the patient's blood pressure for at least five years, potentially averting severe health issues such as heart attack, stroke, brain hemorrhage, and kidney failure.

"Renal denervation continues to be an experimental therapy that has shown some promise as a proof of concept."

As of December 2023, two devices, Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system and Recor Medical's Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation system, have been approved by the FDA for this treatment.

The FDA has approved the use of the device to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension who have not responded to lifestyle changes and medication.

Sharma stated that the procedure is suitable for individuals without kidney artery blockages.

Interventional cardiologists use a thin tube to send sound waves or radiofrequency energy to the kidney's overactive sympathetic nerves during a one-hour procedure, as Sharma explained to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"You kind of destroy the nerve endings," the doctor said.

The brain's blood pressure is reduced by calming the nerves' excessive activity.

This ablation technique can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in individuals for an extended period of time, as demonstrated by studies.

Sharma informed Planet Chronicle Digital that there is probably no harm to the kidneys.

As with any procedure, however, there are some risks involved.

One potential risk is that an artery is damaged during the procedure.

In approximately one out of 500 instances, harm may result, as stated by Sharma.

"This is a potential complication that we don't anticipate occurring."

Why results have been life-changing

On December 4th, Dr. Sharma and his medical team at Mount Sinai carried out the procedure on Adit Dhawan, who is 44 years old.

A married father residing on Long Island, New York, shared his experience with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Since his high blood pressure diagnosis at age 19, he has tried multiple medications without success.

Dhawan also followed a relatively healthy diet and exercised regularly.

Since his twenties, he has had an average blood pressure of 150/90-100 mm Hg, despite his efforts, as he told Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to medical experts, a healthy blood pressure range is 110-120/70-80 mm Hg.

Recently, when Dhawan measured at home, the result was higher than his typical readings.

"When I freaked out was when the score was 170/100," he said.

Dhawan was eager to try the new procedure when he sought Sharman's help and the doctor informed him about it.

Dhawan described the procedure as "not bad." He then took Tylenol for some mild soreness that lasted for about three days.

Dhawan is already experiencing the benefits of the procedure just three weeks later. He has reduced his blood pressure medication intake and resumed running and exercising, as he shared with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"I'm really glad, because high blood pressure is a silent killer," he said. "I'm very happy. Everything is fine. All my vitals are great."

In many years, Dhawan's blood pressure has not been as low as it currently is, averaging 135/85.

In December 2023, Mount Sinai is among the select few hospitals in the country that have performed a "revolutionary" procedure. Other hospitals that have carried out the procedure include NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University; Gates Vascular Institute in Buffalo, New York; Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles; and Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

What doctors are saying

Numerous physicians not associated with Dhawan's case discussed the novel treatment for uncontrolled hypertension with Planet Chronicle Digital.

The renal denervation procedure has been proven to enhance blood pressure control in challenging cases and those with high blood pressure who are taking one or two medications, according to Dr. Manesh R. Patel, M.D., the head of cardiology and co-director of the Duke Heart Center at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

According to Patel, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, he is thrilled that a new therapy option is now available for individuals with high blood pressure.

The most common modifiable risk factor for heart disease in our country is hypertension, and blood pressure control is not up to par, according to the doctor who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"An important step forward is taking a procedure to support control, in addition to medications."

Patel stated that the renal denervation procedure has been well-tolerated and has a low risk of causing any damage to the kidneys, based on the studies conducted to date.

Dr. Steven Potter, M.D., a seasoned kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute in Washington, D.C., also shared his thoughts on the recently approved procedure.

Hypertension has enormous global costs, and innovative treatment options could provide great value, according to Potter, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Renal denervation remains an experimental treatment that has demonstrated potential as a proof of principle."

Potter observed that the procedure may slightly reduce blood pressure, but the results of studies have been inconsistent, with some showing significant benefits and others showing no effect.

Before its appropriate role in clinical practice can be determined, more experience and research are needed with the procedure.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but only one in four are able to manage it.

A blood pressure reading of more than 130 mm Hg systolic or 80 mm Hg diastolic is considered hypertension.

In 2021, 691,095 deaths in the U.S. were due to or exacerbated by hypertension.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health.