According to the India Hypertension Control Initiative, approximately 200 million adults in India suffer from hypertension, yet only around 20 million have it effectively managed, marking it as a critical public health issue. Medical professionals at AIG Hospital, including Dr. Rajeev Menon, Dr. Anuj Kapadiya, Dr. Swaroop G Bharadi, and Dr. Prasada Reddy, emphasized the increasing occurrence of hypertension and resistant hypertension in India. They discussed a potential treatment option, renal denervation, which has shown encouraging results in addressing this concern. The National Family Health Survey indicates that hypertension prevalence ranges from 16% to over 25% in certain states, with urban areas exhibiting a higher percentage of patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled even with treatment.
Resistant hypertension is characterized as blood pressure that stays above the therapeutic target despite the use of at least three antihypertensive medications from different classes, including a diuretic, at maximum or maximally tolerated dosages. This condition is often overlooked but significantly impacts patients’ long-term health and quality of life. In Hyderabad, the National Family Health Survey – 5 estimates hypertension prevalence at 22.6%. Symptoms of resistant hypertension can develop gradually and may include frequent headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, or occasional chest discomfort. Over time, consistently high blood pressure can exert ongoing pressure on the cardiovascular system and vital organs.
Clinical studies suggest that reducing systolic blood pressure by just 10 mmHg can decrease the risk of heart disease by 20% and stroke by 27%. At a recent workshop, Dr. Swaroop G Bharadi, Co-Director of the Cathlab and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at AIG Hospitals Hyderabad, stated, “While antihypertensive medications work well for many, a considerable number of patients find it challenging to achieve control. Educating patients about their condition and available options empowers them to take charge of their health and collaborate with their physicians for improved outcomes. Renal Denervation (RDN) is a promising, minimally invasive catheter-based procedure that targets one of the root causes of hypertension: excessive nerve signals between the brain and kidneys.
By disrupting these signals, RDN aids in lowering and stabilizing blood pressure over time.” Dr. Anuj Kapadiya, Director of the Cathlab and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at AIG Hospitals, shared a recent patient case: “We treated a 41-year-old patient suffering from severe headaches, fatigue, and consistently high blood pressure averaging around 170/100 mmHg, despite being on multiple antihypertensive drugs. After undergoing renal denervation upon recommendation, he showed significant improvement within days, with his blood pressure dropping to 130/88 mmHg at discharge, headaches alleviated, and overall energy levels enhanced. Clinical studies indicate that similar patients often experience up to a 50 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure at discharge, with continued improvements observed at one and six months post-procedure.
This illustrates how renal denervation can offer significant relief and steady blood pressure management for patients with resistant hypertension who do not achieve control with optimal medical treatment.” Recent experiences with renal denervation have demonstrated favorable results across a broad patient population. Lowering systolic blood pressure by just 10 mmHg is known to cut the risks of stroke by 27%, heart failure by 28%, and coronary heart disease by 17%. RDN has also resulted in a notable decrease in the number of antihypertensive medications required, reducing from an average of five to just over three, thereby minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment adherence.
Uncontrolled and resistant hypertension increases the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, while also raising healthcare costs, leading to more hospitalizations and loss of productivity. By improving blood pressure management, therapies like RDN have the potential to alleviate the long-term burden on patients and healthcare systems, which can translate into fewer medications, reduced hospital visits, and the ability for individuals to take control and lead a more active, fulfilling life.