HELP FOR BLOOD PRESSURE
It's a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even death. We're talking about high blood pressure. Until now, medications have been the only way to control it. But an investigational device may offer some patients a welcome alternative.
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About 65-million people are living with high blood pressure.
Robert Breece has battled the condition for more than 30 years.
Robert Breece
Has high blood pressure
"I take six different medications, everything from beta blockers to alpha- blockers to diuretics."
Still, Robert's blood pressure stayed high. Doctor Domenic Sica says it's a common problem.
Domenic Sica, MD
Nephrologist
VCU School of Medicine
Richmond, VA
"Despite your very best efforts, you hit a brick wall."
So, Doctor Sica offered robert an investigational device.
Domenic Sica, MD
"This could be thought of as a pacemaker that controls blood pressure."
The device is implanted in the chest and attaches to two electrodes in the carotid arteries. It tells nerves in those arteries to trick the brain into thinking blood pressure is higher than it really is.
Domenic Sica, MD
"The brain, in turn says, well, gee, I'll turn off my signaling to the rest of the body, and that will lower blood pressure."
And once the device is put in place, it's there for good.
Domenic Sica, MD
"It's permanent... almost in a fashion like marrying into an Italian household."
Robert's seen major improvements he hopes are permanent. His blood pressure went from 180 over 110 to 140 over 80 with the device.
Robert Breece
"It works for me. It's been very effective. It will probably prolong my life."
And if it gets him off some of his meds, he says it'll be a long and even happier life with his wife.
Doctor Sica says right now, the device is being tested along with blood pressure medications, but it could someday replace drugs for certain patients. So far, the device has been implanted in about a dozen patients in the U.S. at five sites participating in the trial.
BACKGROUND: About 65 million Americans are living with high blood pressure, and only about 35 percent of them have their blood pressure under control. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is defined as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg. If untreated, the condition can lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and even death. Risk factors for hypertension include body weight, lifestyle, race, age, ethnicity and genetics.
CURRENT TREATMENTS: Some common medications used to treat high blood pressure include:
- Diuretics
- Beta-Blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Angiotensin antagonists
- Alpha-blockers
- Alpha-beta-blockers
- Nervous system inhibitors
- Vasodilators
RESISTANT HYPERTENSION: Some patients who take medications to control their blood pressure still have a problem keeping their blood pressure low. This problem is called resistant hypertension. Domenic Sica, M.D., from VCU School of Medicine in Richmond, says, "Despite your very best efforts, you hit a brick wall. You have them on three or four drugs, the right doses, the right combinations, yet the basis for the hypertension is so extreme that you can barely put a dent into it."
NEW HELP: Now, researchers at VCU School of Medicine and elsewhere are studying an investigational device to treat resistant hypertension. The device works by electrically activating the baroreflex -- the body's own monitoring system that watches and controls blood pressure. When the baroreflex is activated, signals are interpreted by the brain as a rise in blood pressure. The brain works to counteract this perceived rise by dilating blood vessels to allow blood to pump more freely, reducing heart rate and influencing the kidneys to release fluid and salt.
The device is implanted in the chest and attaches to electrodes in the carotid arteries. It runs on a battery that last up to about 20 months. The battery can be changed through a simple surgical procedure that's much like changing the battery of a pacemaker.
Dr. Sica says, on average, patients who are on the device are seeing between a 10- and 25-millimeter reduction in systolic pressure (the number on the top). Right now, about a dozen patients in the United States have received the device at five medical centers that are participating in the clinical trial.
Malorie Janis
PR Specialist
VCU News Services
PO Box 980426
1006 E. Marshall St.
Richmond, VA 23298
(804) 827-0889
mgjanis@vcu.edu
Copyright © 2006 Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc.
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