In a nutshell
This study investigated if catheter-based renal denervation can manage hypertension without medication.
They found that patients that underwent renal denervation had reduced blood pressure measures over three months.
Some background
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition which can lead to serious health complications and/or death. Several strategies are used to manage hypertension. These include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and medication. Some patients do not respond to either of these strategies and so surgical intervention is required.
Renal (kidney) denervation is a new surgical approach to managing blood pressure. It involves using a catheter to deliver a high energy pulse which kills the nerves near the artery. This reduces blood pressure in the kidneys. The results of previous studies examining renal denervation have been mixed.
Methods & findings
This study investigated if renal denervation can effectively reduce blood pressure in treatment-resistant patients.
80 patients with treatment-resistant hypertension were included in this study. Patients were assigned to undergo renal denervation or sham (no catheter) surgery. Patients were not allowed to take anti-hypertensive medication during the 3-month trial period. Ambulatory (moving) blood pressure (ABP) over 24-hr was measured during the trial.
Patients who underwent renal denervation had a greater decrease in blood pressure measurements compared to sham surgery patients. 24-hr ABP was reduced by 5.5 and 4.3 mmHg (systolic and diastolic) in renal denervation patients compared to sham. No adverse events were reported in either group throughout the 3 months.
The bottom line
This study concluded that renal denervation reduced blood pressure measures over three months in treatment-resistant hypertensive patients.
The fine print
A small number of patients were used in this trial. Larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm results. This study was funded by Medtronic, a medical devices company.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding blood pressure management, please discuss with your doctor.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Aug 25, 2017
