Lower your Blood Pressure: Treating Hypertension with Renal Denervation

If you have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, it’s important to keep it under control to protect your heart and prevent serious health issues.

The cardiology team at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital are here to support you with advanced treatment options like renal denervation to improve your health.

When lifestyle changes and medication aren’t enough

High blood pressure occurs when blood pushes too hard against the walls of your arteries, which are vessels that carry blood away from the heart. This can make your heart work harder, causing damage over time and leading to serious health conditions like heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Doctors usually start treating high blood pressure by recommending lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Many people also take medicine to control their blood pressure.

If your blood pressure stays high even after trying these steps, it may be time to explore renal denervation. Cardiologists at AHN Saint Vincent can look at your overall health, blood pressure, and past treatments to see if this option might be right for you.

“For patients with resistant hypertension that doesn’t respond to medication, we’re proud to offer the renal denervation procedure as an advanced alternative,” said Orestis Pappas, MD, interventional cardiologist at AHN Saint Vincent. “Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, the procedure can lower blood pressure, reduce the need for medication, and improve quality of life.”

What is renal denervation and how does it work at AHN Saint Vincent?

Renal denervation is a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or sound waves to disable certain nerves around the arteries leading to your kidneys. This helps calm the nerves that raise blood pressure.

The procedure usually lasts about 20 minutes. You’ll be asleep under anesthesia while doctors place a thin tube in your renal arteries to target the nerves.

Most patients go home the same day. Your care team will help you manage continued high blood pressure treatment through healthy eating, regular exercise, prescribed medication, and regular monitoring at home.

After treatment, you’ll meet regularly with your doctor for follow-up visits to ensure your blood pressure stays at a healthy level over time.

“Patients find the most long-term success from renal denervation when they keep up with positive lifestyle changes and prioritize their health every day,” said Dr. Pappas. “Even after treatment, our team continues to encourage patients to feel empowered in their journey toward a healthier heart.”

Achieving a healthier heart

If you have high blood pressure that hasn’t responded to medication, there may be another treatment option for you. Reach out to AHN Saint Vincent Hospital’s cardiology team to learn more about renal denervation to improve your heart health.