Minimally invasive technique controls resistant hypertension and reduces need for drugs

Hypertension (HTA) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and death worldwide. Despite advances in pharmacotherapy and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, many people are unable to lower their blood pressure to safe levels. In some cases, they succeed only with complex drug regimens that increase the risk of side effects.

In such situations, renal denervation becomes an effective and long-term therapeutic alternative. It is a minimally invasive procedure for patients with resistant hypertension, i.e., hypertension that does not respond adequately to drug therapy or lifestyle changes.

Renal denervation allows us to act directly on one of the main mechanisms involved in hypertension.

— the sympathetic nervous system surrounding the renal arteries, explains Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi, head of the Hemodynamics and Invasive Cardiology Unit at Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja.

By reducing its activity, we achieve a sustained and stable reduction in blood pressure, without the need to increase the dose of drugs.

How the kidney denervation procedure is performed

The treatment acts on the sympathetic nervous system surrounding the renal arteries, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure. Using a catheter inserted through the femoral artery, small doses of radiofrequency energy are applied to selectively damage the nerve fibers, reducing their activity.

The procedure takes from 40 to 60 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, and hospitalization is usually limited to one day.

It is a safe technique, well tolerated by patients, with lasting benefits.

— Dr. Bayoumi adds.

In many cases, it is also possible to reduce the amount of medication used, which significantly improves the quality of life of those treated.

Benefits for patients with hypertension

Among the benefits observed were significant and sustained reductions in blood pressure, decreased need for antihypertensive medications, and improved overall cardiovascular risk.

In addition, more effective blood pressure control helps prevent serious complications such as: stroke, heart attack, heart failure, progressive kidney damage or hypertensive retinopathy.

Untreated resistant hypertension is a significant risk factor for serious cardiovascular events. Renal denervation not only reduces this risk, but also opens up new therapeutic options for patients who have no other effective options.

— Dr. Bayoumi warns.

The technique therefore represents hope for many patients with difficult-to-control hypertension, offering persistent benefits and improved cardiovascular prognosis.