Hypertension New therapy barely effective

World hypertension day: New therapy for hypertension controversial

05/18/2014

On World Hypertension Day is regularly informed about the effects of hypertension. In Germany, an estimated 20 to 30 million people are affected. A US study has now shown that a new hypertension therapy method does not achieve the expected results.

World's greatest health hazard
Hypertension is considered the world's greatest health hazard. According to estimates, about 20 to 30 million people in Germany are affected by it, but only one in two knows about it. Since high blood pressure causes almost no discomfort in most cases, it is often diagnosed only when complications such as a heart attack, stroke or eye disease occur. Around nine million people die each year as a result of hypertension. Nevertheless, many who know of their hypertension can not be actively treated by a doctor.

In many blood pressure patients conventional therapies do not work
In addition, there is the problem that in many blood pressure patients, the conventional forms of therapy, such as the change of lifestyle and antihypertensive drugs, no longer help. Professor Eckart Fleck from the German Heart Center in Berlin reported opposite „n-tv.de“: „However, in more than ten percent of those treated, these therapies are no longer effective.“ The reasons for the resistance are so far unclear. A new form of therapy, the so-called renal symphatic denervation, could help these patients, my experts. In the minimally invasive procedure, nerve fibers in the wall of the renal artery are obliterated with a catheter and high-frequency current. The kidneys are the central body in the regulation of blood pressure. „As a result, a filter is put into the information connection between the brain and kidneys and the dysregulation is eliminated“, said Professor Fleck. Otherwise, the kidney functions were completely preserved.

New therapy has proven to be ineffective
The method has been used since 2010 in numerous centers, including Germany, at the experimental level. In a recent US study (Symplicity HTN-3), the procedure had proven to be safe, but also ineffective. For the first time, the study compared the new procedure with a sham procedure. „Nevertheless, the procedure should not be abandoned completely or be used headless“, so stain. Rather, it is about researching further in order to better understand which patients the procedure can and can not help. This opinion is also shared by various experts worldwide. Professor Fleck also emphasized that the intervention should only be carried out in certified centers, because only if enough nerve endings were to become deserted could an effect with regard to blood pressure also be established.

Causes of hypertension often unknown
Yesterday's World Hypertension Day, as every year, drew attention to the effects of high blood pressure. In hypertension, blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. This means that the systolic pressure is higher than 140 mmHg and the diastolic pressure higher than 90 mmHg (140/90 mmHg). A normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, below 105/60 mmHg it is considered low. From a permanently increased pressure of 180/110 there is danger to life. The causes of high blood pressure are many. Disorders in the hormone or cardiovascular system as well as kidney damage belong to it as well as heredity. However, the causes are unknown in most cases. An unhealthy lifestyle with little exercise, high salt intake and overweight or obesity can further increase blood pressure.

Live healthy and measure blood pressure regularly
Since hypertension can be unspecific or completely without symptoms for years, it is important to regularly measure your blood pressure. Experts suggest that every household should have a blood pressure monitor. Many pharmacies also offer their customers the service of blood pressure measurement. To guard against high blood pressure, professionals recommend regular exercise and exercise. In addition, you should avoid or reduce excess weight, do not consume smoking and alcohol in moderation. Also, various medications can increase blood pressure and should therefore be avoided if possible, as well as stress. As natural home remedies, teas from lime blossom or evergreen against high blood pressure have been proven. (Ad)