Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control is Critical. There’s a New Option for Tough Cases.
About Half of U.S. Adults Have High Blood Pressure
About half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a major risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, even dementia. Many people don’t even realize they have hypertension until it’s done serious damage.
Know Your Blood Pressure, Know the Numbers
“Know your blood pressure, know the numbers,” stressed Dr. Randy Zusman of Massachusetts General Hospital, who specializes in the hardest-to-treat cases and advises people who think they’re fine to at least get a yearly check.
What is High Blood Pressure?
Two numbers describe blood pressure. The top, “systolic” pressure, is the force blood puts on the walls of arteries as its pumped out of the heart. The bottom “diastolic” number measures that same pressure but between heartbeats.
Normal is less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, higher when you’re physically active or stressed. But when it stays high — consistently 130 over 80 or higher, according to the most recent guidelines — it stiffens arteries and makes the heart work harder.
How to Measure Blood Pressure
It doesn’t take a doctor’s visit. Pharmacies and sometimes even libraries offer screening, and people can use at-home monitors.
To avoid falsely high readings, the American Medical Association has tips: Sit quietly with feet on the floor, legs not crossed. Place the cuff on a bare arm, not over clothing. Don’t dangle the arm — rest it on a table.
Drugs Aren’t the Only Way to Treat High Blood Pressure
Lifestyle changes are the first step, especially for otherwise healthy people. Guidelines urge losing weight, exercise, eating more fruits and vegetables, limiting salt and alcohol, and taking steps to handle stress.
Medicine is a must once hypertension reaches 140 over 90. The average patient requires two or three drugs, sometimes more, along with healthier living, Zusman said.
What is Renal Denervation?
Doctors thread a small catheter, or tube, through blood vessels to reach the kidneys, and then beam in ultrasound or radiofrequency energy. Those pulses pass through the renal arteries to selectively target surrounding nerves, said Dr. Joseph Garasic, a Mass General interventional cardiologist who performed Garrity’s procedure. It takes about an hour.
Although already used in other countries, a key U.S. trial of renal denervation failed about a decade ago, prompting changes before researchers tried again. In November 2023, the FDA approved two catheter systems, from Recor Medical and Medtronic.
A New Option for Tough Cases
Now, after the American Heart Association recently deemed it promising, some hospitals including Mass General Brigham are cautiously offering it as they work out who are good candidates — and whether their insurance will cover a minimally invasive procedure costing thousands of dollars.
Conclusion
Keeping blood pressure under control is critical, and there are new options available for those who struggle with treatment-resistant hypertension. While lifestyle changes and medication are still essential, renal denervation offers a promising alternative for those who have not seen success with traditional treatments.
FAQs
* What is high blood pressure?
+ High blood pressure is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently 130 over 80 or higher.
* How do I measure my blood pressure?
+ You can measure your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor or at a pharmacy or doctor’s office.
* What are the risks of high blood pressure?
+ High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even dementia.
* What is renal denervation?
+ Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the nerves surrounding the kidneys to help regulate blood pressure.
* Is renal denervation a cure for high blood pressure?
+ No, renal denervation is not a cure for high blood pressure, but it can help reduce blood pressure in those who have not seen success with traditional treatments.
