A Game-Changer for Resistant Hypertension
A new treatment could offer relief for people suffering from high blood pressure caused by primary aldosteronism, a condition that accounts for one in 20 cases. This disorder leads to excessive salt retention, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In the UK alone, around half a million people live with this condition, often requiring lifelong medication or invasive surgery.
A Game-Changer for Resistant Hypertension
Doctors in London and Cambridge have developed a cutting-edge treatment called targeted thermal therapy (TTT). This minimally invasive procedure targets and removes harmful nodules on the adrenal glands. These nodules trigger the production of aldosterone, a hormone that raises blood pressure. By using short bursts of heat, TTT destroys these nodules, reducing aldosterone levels and improving blood pressure control.
Unlike traditional surgery, which typically requires an overnight hospital stay, TTT is performed in just 20 minutes under sedation. Patients can go home the same day, making it a more convenient and less invasive option for treating high blood pressure caused by primary aldosteronism.
How the Treatment Works
The adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, play a key role in regulating blood pressure. In people with primary aldosteronism, abnormal growths or nodules on these glands lead to excessive production of aldosterone, which in turn raises blood pressure and causes the body to retain too much salt. This imbalance increases the risk of severe cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Targeted thermal therapy uses controlled bursts of heat to destroy the problematic nodules, which reduces aldosterone levels and restores balance to the body’s sodium levels. This procedure not only improves blood pressure control but also offers an effective alternative to the standard treatments, such as lifelong medication or more invasive surgeries.
Positive Early Results and Ongoing Research
A recent clinical trial involving 28 patients produced encouraging results. Many participants saw a significant improvement in their blood pressure, and some were able to stop taking medication entirely. Most of the patients also experienced a decrease in excessive aldosterone production. These early results suggest that TTT could be a promising new option for treating primary aldosteronism.
To confirm the effectiveness of the treatment, a larger study involving 110 patients is currently underway. This study will help further evaluate the long-term benefits and safety of TTT, with the potential to make it a standard treatment for resistant high blood pressure.
A Breakthrough in Hypertension Treatment
Experts believe that this new procedure could revolutionize the treatment of high blood pressure, particularly for those who have not responded to traditional therapies. By offering a safer, quicker, and less invasive alternative to surgery, TTT may become a game-changer for those living with primary aldosteronism.
If successful, the procedure could not only help people regain normal blood pressure but also reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular events. This advancement could provide a new lease on life for many individuals struggling with high blood pressure.
With ongoing research and promising early results, targeted thermal therapy is on track to become an essential tool in the fight against resistant hypertension. For more updates on medical breakthroughs, visit EuroNews24.