New procedure at Galway hospital reduces high blood pressure

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN UNIVERSITY Hospital Galway is one of the first public hospitals to perform a new procedure that can effectively reduce high blood pressure in some patients. Cardiologists are performing renal artery denervation as a day-case and its success is resulting in significant and sustained reduction in blood pressure. Consultant cardiologist at UHG Dr Faisal Sharif says high blood pressure contributes to cardiovascular death, stroke, heart attack, heart failure and end-stage kidney disease. The Department of Cardiology at UHG is developing a new, specialised hypertension clinic. This clinic will allow comprehensive record keeping of patients with high blood pressure for investigations and follow-up treatment. It will also help to ensure that more patients are treated and will also identify patients suitable for renal artery denervation. 'Research has shown that a certain reduction in blood pressure results in a 30 to 40 per cent reduction in the risk of stroke and a 25 per cent reduction in the risk of ischemic heart disease,' he said. Dr Sharif pointed out that most of the time high blood pressure goes undetected for some time because it doesn't cause any symptoms. He says it can be prevented and managed by taking exercise, cutting back on salt and maintaining a healthy weight. Despite the availability of new drugs, two out of every three patients remain above the target level of blood pressure control. The new procedure is especially suitable for those with resistant hypertension. 'Renal denervation is a very straightforward procedure that involves passing a flexible catheter from leg artery to the arteries that supply the kidneys. Through this catheter radiofrequency ablation (energy) is applied to the artery, which results in a reduction in the activity of sympathetic nerves that are embedded within the kidney artery,' explained Dr Sharif. This development in the treatment of resistant hypertension strengthens the relationship between Galway University Hospitals and Medtronic Galway where the Symplicity catheters used in the procedures are manufactured.