Novel high BP treatment shows promise

London, Apr 4 (ANI): Researchers at Monash University's Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics have developed a new catheter-based therapy that can be an effective alternative for lowering high blood pressure when medication fails.

The new surgical technique disrupts nerves around the kidneys to dramatically reduce high blood pressure.

"Patients who underwent the procedure had a significant reduction in their blood pressure levels and we were able therefore to reduce their risk of severe stroke or heart attack," The Lancet quoted Professor Henry Krum, lead researcher of the study.

During the study, the research team recruited 50 patients from Australia and overseas.

"We showed an excellent safety profile of this brief, catheter-based therapy. No long-term adverse events resulted from the procedure," Krum added.

He said that renal denervation led to a dramatic decrease in blood pressure, in patients resistant to hypertensive drugs.

The reduction of blood pressure was evident as early as 1 month and was further reduced at 3 months. The results remained persistent throughout the trial.

"The catheter allowed us to target a very specific area to deliver the right amount of frequency to the nerves without damaging the surrounding areas," Krum added. (ANI)