L’high blood pressure could be treated through renal denervation, according to researchers from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). This operation consists of stopping the activity of the nerves to the kidneys. It would be effective against severe hypertension, the form of the disease that is resistant to drug treatment.
106 severe hypertensive patients were divided into two groups. The first was denervated and took a treatment combining several hypotensive molecules. The second group just followed the drug prescription.
The results of this study conducted over 6 months reveal a blood pressure reduction of the order of 6 mmHg additional blood pressure in favor of renal denervation. This represents an average drop in daytime systolic blood pressure of 15.8 mmHg in the denervated group and 9.9 mmHg in the control group.
“This technique consists of interrupting the nerve connections between the kidneys and the brain (sympathetic nervous system), to block vasoconstrictor mechanisms on the one hand, and those involved in water and sodium retention on the other hand. These mechanisms contribute to blood pressure resistance to antihypertensive treatments”, explains Professor Michel Azizi, co-author of the study.
Patients will be followed for 3 years
Patient follow-up will continue for a total of 3 years to assess the maintenance of the blood pressure reduction over time, knowing that it is not impossible that the renal arteries can resume their nervous activity.
“We find that the patients whose blood pressure is the highest on inclusion and those who are the most observant of drug treatment are among the good responders to denervation,” says Professor Michel Azizi. “Contrary to other patients, they do not respond at all, but this may be due to less complete denervation or poor compliance with drug treatment. However, we know that it is not a question of a miracle treatment, the associated drugs are essential”, explains the researcher.
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