Newswise — Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Baylor Health Care System researchers are studying a new approach that could help normalize blood pressure—without medication.
The Symplicity trial tests a minimally invasive procedure known as renal denervation. The experimental procedure uses heat that is generated by radio frequency to disrupt nerve communication to and from the kidneys. This can reduce overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, a frequent cause of chronic high blood pressure.
“The sympathetic nervous system controls blood pressure and can cause hypertension initiated by life and stress,” says David L. Brown, M.D., principal investigator at THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano. “This investigational device is being tested to determine if it will disrupt the sympathetic nervous system, which may significantly lower blood pressure, stop multiple antihypertensive medications, and have an effect on other conditions affected by the sympathetic nervous system.”
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Less than 120/80 is considered healthy. To enroll in the Symplicity trial, patients must have a blood pressure level in which the top (systolic) number is above 160. They must also be taking the maximum dose of three to five different blood pressure medications simultaneously but not achieving the desired lower blood pressure levels.
“In previous studies of this device in limited numbers of people, this simple procedure reduced patients’ blood pressure by an average of about 30 mmHg, a reduction that persisted throughout subsequent assessments,” says Sonia Prashar, M.S.,CCRC, research coordinator at THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano. Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital also is participating in the study.
Two Groups Comprise the StudyParticipants will be randomly assigned into two groups: One group will have the renal denervation procedure and the other group will not. (No one but the surgical team will know who is in each group.) Patients will be given home blood pressure monitors and followed up with frequently. After six months, participants who did not have the procedure may be given the option of having it done, if they still qualify.
If the study confirms that renal denervation can result in a large, persistent decrease in blood pressure, it could be excellent news for people who have high blood pressure that isn’t being successfully controlled with medication.
“Improving blood pressure has a profound effect on longevity and reducing the risk of stroke,” says James W. Choi, M.D., primary investigator for the Symplicity trial at Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital. “Catheterbased renal denervation is an exciting, investigational treatment for patients with resistant hypertension who otherwise might not be able to be helped.” Visit BaylorHealth.com/AdvancingMedicine to learn more.
About Baylor Health Care SystemBaylor Health Care System is a not-for-profit, faith-based supporting organization providing services to a network of acute care hospitals and related health care entities that provide patient care, medical education, research and community service. Baylor recorded more than 2.8 million patient encounters, $4 billion in total operating revenue, $5.2 billion in total assets and $502 million in community benefit in fiscal year 2011 (as reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services). Baylor’s network of more than 300 access points includes 30 owned/operated/ ventured/affiliated hospitals; joint ventured ambulatory surgical centers; satellite outpatient locations; senior centers and more than 180 HealthTexas Provider Network physician clinics.
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