Lower high blood pressure without medication

For the first time blood pressure could be lowered in hypertensive patients without drugs: Scientists from Germany have succeeded in using a novel method to reduce the blood pressure of patients sustainably. In doing so, the physicians sclerosed kidney nerves, which are suspected to promote hypertension.

In the case of particularly persistent high blood pressure, a small medical intervention could help to lower the blood pressure in the future. In about every fifth patient, blood pressure medicines do not help to permanently lower the pressure. Now scientists at the annual congress of the „American Heart Association“ in Chicago, a new study in which by a desquamation of the nerves in the kidneys, a significant reduction in blood pressure could be achieved.

By means of catheters renal nerves become desolate
More than 100 subjects from across Europe and Australia participated in the study. For all study participants, blood pressure medication has so far achieved no or no sufficient effect. The patients were divided into two different groups. One half of the group served as a comparison group and continued taking antihypertensive drugs. In the second group, renal nerves were obliterated by means of a catheter. High frequency radio waves were emitted. Overall, the treatment eradicated two nerves suspected of being responsible for high blood pressure.

Study results successful
At the beginning of the study, all participants had an average blood pressure of 178/98 mmHg. After only six months of sclerotherapy, blood pressure had dropped by 32/12 mmHg. In the control group with the blood pressure medicines, the blood pressure had even further increased slightly. In addition to the successful values, the study authors pointed out that the new treatment method has no serious side effects. In addition, no complications occurred during and after the procedure. „The current study is a milestone in hypertension therapy“, Prof. Dr. Lars C. Rump, Director of the University Hospital Düsseldorf. Rump was instrumental in the development and execution of the large-scale study. The results of the study clearly show, „Finally, we have a method to help patients who can not be adequately treated with blood pressure medicines simply and safely.“, so the doctor. At the moment, however, the new form of therapy can not fundamentally replace drugs. However, if there is no improvement despite the administration of different antihypertensive drugs, a sclerotherapy of the renal nerves should be sought. Optimal values ​​are values ​​below 120/80. Hypertension is usually referred to as exceeding 140/90 mmHg. The most severe stage of hypertension is then reached at levels exceeding 180/110 mmHg.

High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack
Hypertension (hypertension) is a serious condition. If the blood pressure is permanently too high, serious illnesses such as heart attacks or strokes can be the result. Often, high blood pressure is noticed too late because patients experience barely perceptible symptoms over a long period of time. In severe hypertension, symptoms such as headache, breathing difficulties in stressful situations and dizziness can occur. In addition, nosebleeds, palpitations and severe headache (especially headache behind the head), this indicates a possible high-pressure crisis. Patients should call an emergency doctor immediately for these symptoms. (sb, 19.11.2010)

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Picture: Rainer Sturm