Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Posted: February 23, 2012

A new hypertension treatment for drug-resistant high blood pressure is being studied.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common health condition affecting millions of people. The condition occurs when the amount of force of the blood in the arteries is too high. In some cases, high blood pressure can lead to significant health problems including heart disease. Often treated with medications, some individuals develop a condition known as drug-resistant hypertension in which medications simply do not work.

Testing of New Drug Underway

A hospital in Detroit is studying a new treatment option for patients with this condition. The minimally invasive procedure could help the 76 million Americans dealing with this type of condition. The Simplicity HTN-3 study tests a device manufactured by Medtronic. The device is placed into the arteries near the kidneys through a small incision made in the artery in the leg. The procedure takes about 40 minutes. During which a device, a radio frequency ablation tool administers a small jolt to the nerves there. This zap helps to provide treatment for the nerves which interfere with chemicals that control blood pressure.

The study indicates that about two thirds of all patients getting this treatment see improvement in their blood pressure. Though there are risks, including renal denervation, the risks improve quality of life for such patients.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance present in the blood flow within the arteries. If the arteries are narrow and the amount of blood is high, high blood pressure occurs.

Many suffer from high blood pressure without any symptoms for years. Over time, the condition can worsen leading to potentially fatal conditions such as a stroke or heart attack. Through medication and other treatments, it can often be controled.

Causes

The primary cause of hypertension in adults is unknown. In other words, the cause of the condition is hard to pinpoint in most people. It develops gradually over a period. Secondary hypertension can occur after an underlying condition is present first. Conditions such as kidney problems, defects in blood vessels, the use of some medications or the development of adrenal gland tumors occurs. Illegal drugs can also cause the condition.

Symptoms

Many people can have even dangerously high blood pressure without any symptoms. Some people have early stage symptoms including dull headaches, dizziness or nosebleeds. Generally, a routine health checkup could reveal this information.

As you get older, the risk of developing the condition goes up. Those who have a family history of the condition are more at risk as well. If you are overweight, not physically active or use tobacco, you have a higher chance of developing it. In addition, those with a high sodium diet, a lack of potassium and/or vitamin D in their diet are more at risk.

Treatments

The most effective treatment is lifestyle changes especially at the early development. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, improving your diet and reducing stress can help many people.

Medications such as thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors can also help to improve the condition. Doctors can also recommend calcium channel blockers to relax the muscles of the blood vessels.

Some people have a condition called resistant hypertension in which medications do not seem to help. In this case, the doctor will need to determine the underlying cause of the high blood pressure and treat it effectively.

Disclaimer:The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplement or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader's own medical care. Sime Darby Healthcare excludes all liability on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in the article. Sime Darby Healthcare disclaims all responsibilities for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.