Struggling with high blood pressure? Discover the revolutionary new solution for those tough cases!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.

High blood pressure, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a condition that impacts nearly half of US adults. With no clear symptoms, it can cause long-term damage, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and even dementia.

For many, managing blood pressure is an ongoing battle, but there’s new hope for those facing stubborn cases.


Imagine trying every possible treatment, only for your blood pressure to remain dangerously high. This is the reality for many, but there's good news!

A cutting-edge procedure is offering new hope, especially for people like Michael Garrity, a 62-year-old from Needham, Massachusetts. After years of struggling with high blood pressure despite a combination of medications, Michael underwent a procedure that used ultrasound energy to zap away some of his renal nerves.


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High blood pressure affects nearly half of US adults, increasing the risk of serious health conditions. Image Source: Thirdman.



The result? His blood pressure normalized, and he’s been able to reduce his medication dose. He’s not alone in experiencing the life-changing effects of this treatment!

Understanding High Blood Pressure

Before we dive into the procedure, it’s important to understand what high blood pressure really means. Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number).

Systolic pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures it between beats. A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings reach 130/80 mmHg or higher.


Measuring Your Blood Pressure

It's important to regularly monitor your blood pressure, and you can easily do this at home or at local pharmacies.

To ensure accurate readings, follow these helpful tips: sit with your feet flat on the floor, rest your arm at heart level on a table, and use a cuff on a bare arm.


Lifestyle Changes and Medication

For many diagnosed with hypertension, lifestyle changes are the first step. Losing weight, exercising, and eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables can help.

When blood pressure hits 140/90 mmHg or higher, medications are often necessary, alongside these healthier habits. But for some, even this combination may not work.


The Challenge of Treatment-Resistant Hypertension and Renal Denervation

For people like Michael, who suffer from treatment-resistant hypertension, standard medications, diet, and exercise might not be enough. That’s where renal denervation comes in.

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure where doctors use a catheter to deliver ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to the nerves around the kidneys. These nerves play a role in regulating blood pressure. By disrupting overactive nerve signals, this procedure aims to help lower blood pressure.


Source: YouTube / University of Miami Health System


Safety and Eligibility

While renal denervation is not a cure and doesn’t work for everyone, studies have shown that it can lower blood pressure by an average of 8 to 10 points. This can lead to reduced medication doses over time.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two catheter systems for the procedure, and while it’s been deemed safe for certain patients, it hasn't been tested on those with kidney disease or narrowed arteries.



Renal denervation is offering new hope for those struggling with high blood pressure that doesn't respond to traditional treatments. As medical science continues to advance, we can expect to see even more breakthroughs that can improve health and quality of life.

If you or someone you know is dealing with high blood pressure, especially treatment-resistant hypertension, it’s worth discussing this option with your healthcare provider. This might be the solution you've been waiting for!


Source: YouTube / Talking With Docs


Key Takeaways

  • Michael Garrity, a patient with dangerously high blood pressure, has benefited from a new treatment called renal denervation, which disrupts overactive renal nerves.
  • About half of US adults have high blood pressure, which poses a major risk for severe health issues, and many aren't aware they have hypertension.
  • The FDA approved renal denervation about a year ago, showing modest benefits in patients whose blood pressure remains high despite multiple medications.
  • While not a cure and with varying results among patients, multiple studies indicate that renal denervation can lead to an average 8 to 10-point drop in blood pressure, which can be significant for those with treatment-resistant hypertension.

We at The GrayVine are committed to bringing you the latest in health and wellness. Have you or someone you know undergone renal denervation, or do you have questions about managing high blood pressure? Share your experiences and inquiries in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Also read: The one exercise experts say can lower your blood pressure
 

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