New procedure at Wesley Medical Center can help lower uncontrolled blood pressure

Wichita, Kan. — Hypertension, often referred to as high blood pressure, impacts approximately 50% of adults in the United States. Shockingly, among those diagnosed with the condition, 4 out of 5 patients are not successful in managing it, significantly increasing their risk for heart attack, stroke or other serious conditions.

Now, however, a new cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical procedure available at Wesley Medical Center is helping those patients lower their blood pressure. During the procedure, known as renal denervation, the surgeon threads a small catheter through blood vessels from the femoral artery to reach the kidneys, then beams in ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to target and disrupt the overactive renal nerves that cause high blood pressure.

So far, the procedure has been successful in generating a 10mmHg or greater reduction in blood pressure for more than half of patients — a significant result, according to Dr. Venkata Boppana, a cardiologist at Wesley Medical Center and one of only a handful of physicians currently performing the procedure in Kansas.

“The renal denervation procedure offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from uncontrolled hypertension,” Dr. Boppana said. “For patients who have not achieved adequate control through lifestyle changes or traditional medications, the procedure could be the key to regaining control over their health.”

What is hypertension?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition that can lead to serious health issues over time, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure — and even dementia. It occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is too high.

Unfortunately, since the symptoms of hypertension rarely make themselves known, most patients are unaware of the condition — a fact that gives it yet another name: The Silent Killer. Many patients aren’t diagnosed with high blood pressure until after it has already done significant damage to their bodies.

Blood pressure is expressed through two numbers. The top, or “systolic,” pressure represents the force of blood on the artery walls as it is pumped out of the heart. The bottom, or “diastolic,” pressure measures that same force, only between heartbeats.

Normal blood pressure is less than 120 over 80. While blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day — and elevates when one is physically active or stressed — consistently high blood pressure of 130 over 80 or higher can stiffen arteries and make the heart work harder.

Factors that can increase the risk of hypertension include: 

• Older age
• Genetics
• Being overweight or obese
• A lack of physical activity
• High-salt diet
• Drinking too much alcohol

Traditional treatments for hypertension

For most patients, simple lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure.

“Adopting a heart-healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity as your body allows and quitting smoking are not just recommendations — they are powerful strategies that have been proven to help control blood pressure,” Dr. Boppana said. “Often, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is required.”

If these steps fail to reduce one’s blood pressure, however, patients shouldn’t lose hope.

“If you are taking three or more blood pressure pills daily and your blood pressure is still uncontrolled, you likely will qualify for the renal denervation procedure,” Dr. Boppana said. “I would strongly encourage you to take charge of your health by consulting with your physician about your options.”