Researchers at Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia have achieved great success with a small device that uses radio waves to lower blood pressure.
Image for illustrative purposes. (Internet source)
It is estimated that a quarter of Australia's population suffers from high blood pressure, half of which do not respond positively to existing drug treatments.
The team tested a new way to lower blood pressure without taking drugs. Participating in this international trial were 106 patients with high blood pressure living in Australia and Europe.
The researchers inserted a small catheter into the artery in the thighs of each patient, then continued to insert the tube into another artery located close to the kidney. They then used low-intensity radio waves to heat up and " turn off " certain nerves that play a role in raising blood pressure. This process takes only 45 minutes.
Professor Markus Schlaich of the research institute said the new method could significantly reduce blood pressure and maintain continuity. He asserted that although trials that only apply to high blood pressure patients do not respond positively to existing drugs, sooner or later this therapy will be applied to patients who respond positive with normal antihypertensive drugs.
Mr. Schlaich points out: " If we apply this technology to patients who only use one or two drugs to lower blood pressure, then they can certainly get rid of dependence on the drug, just apply it. This method, their blood pressure can be well controlled . "
The treatment of future high blood pressure may not require medication thanks to this new technology. Professor Schlaich said this therapy will be applied in clinical examination and treatment next year.