Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases. Lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation can reduce hypertension risk.

However, for some patients, medication is necessary to manage hypertension. But what if a surgical procedure could reduce hypertension risk significantly?.

The Surgical Procedure

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown a surgical procedure that can reduce hypertension risk by 59%.

The procedure called “renal denervation” is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves threading a thin catheter through an artery in the groin. Once the catheter reaches the renal artery, radiofrequency energy is used to damage specific nerves that stimulate kidney function.

How Does Renal Denervation Work?

The renal sympathetic nerve system plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure by increasing the release of renin, which can cause arterial narrowing.

The nervous stimulation of kidneys can cause an increase in blood pressure, and renal denervation involves ablation of the nervous system. When the nerves are damaged, there is a reduction in renin release, leading to reduced arterial narrowing, resulting in lower blood pressure.

The Study

The study involved over 5,000 participants with an average age of 63 years and a history of hypertension. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups, one group underwent renal denervation, and the other group received a simulated procedure.

Blood pressure measurements were recorded at baseline and six months after the procedure.

The Results

The researchers found that the group that underwent renal denervation exhibited an average systolic pressure reduction of 10.3 mm Hg, while the sham group had an average systolic pressure reduction of 4.0 mm Hg.

This result is equivalent to a 59% reduction in hypertension risk in the renal denervation group.

The Benefits

The study has shown that renal denervation is an effective method of lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The benefits of renal denervation include:.

Significantly lower blood pressure readings
Reduction of hypertension risk by 59%
Significant reduction of medication needed to manage hypertension
Lowered risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases

Conclusion

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can significantly reduce hypertension risk by 59%.

It is a viable alternative to medication for managing hypertension, and the benefits include significantly lower blood pressure readings, reduced medication, and a lower risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. However, it is essential to note that renal denervation is not suitable for everyone, and additional research is needed to determine its long-term safety and effectiveness.