Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, often leading to serious health complications. There are two main types: primary (essential) hypertension, which develops gradually with no specific cause, and secondary hypertension, caused by underlying health issues like kidney disease or hormonal disorders.
Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Often dubbed the “silent killer,” hypertension usually has no symptoms, making regular monitoring crucial. When symptoms do occur, they may include headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.
Diagnosis involves measuring blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer, with readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher classified as hypertension. Management typically involves lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet (like the DASH diet), regular exercise, weight loss, and medication when necessary.
Preventing hypertension is key to reducing the risk of serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. By adopting healthy habits, individuals can significantly lower their blood pressure and improve overall well-being.
A new technique proved to be a blessing for Anita (name changed), who had been struggling with severe hypertension since the age of 31. The Interventional Cardiology team at SMS Medical College used the latest renal denervation technology to treat the woman’s high BP through a complex procedure. SMS is the first government institution in North India to have used this technology for a patient’s treatment. The cardiology department’s professor Dr. S. M. Sharma, along with his team, Dr. Dinesh Gautam, Dr. Dhananjay Singh Shekhawat, and Dr. Sunil Sharma, successfully carried out this complex case.
Dr. S. M. Sharma explained that despite taking medication, many patients’ hypertension issues remain unresolved, putting them at risk of brain stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure. The new renal denervation technique can now be used to treat hypertension and prevent life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, brain hemorrhages, and kidney failure. The special catheter used for this procedure costs approximately 7 lakh INR. A private pharmaceutical company provided it for free since it was being used for the first time in a government institution in North India. Additionally, the procedure, which would have cost around 2 lakh INR, was also provided for free.
Procedure completed in an hour
Dr. Dinesh Gautam explained that this procedure is for patients who do not show any blockages in the renal arteries. In the one-hour-long procedure, a thin tube is inserted into the renal artery, which sends sound waves or radiofrequency energy that disconnects the sympathetic nerve associated with the kidney. The sympathetic nerve controls emotions like anger, anxiety, and nervousness. Dr. Dhananjay Singh Shekhawat shared that the patient showed significant positive changes after the procedure. Dr. Sunil Sharma added that the patient’s blood pressure is expected to decrease by 15 to 30 percent. The patient experienced immediate relief post-procedure.
