HCA Florida Largo Hospital Heart Institute offers new treatment option for hypertension

One of the leading causes of death in the United States is high blood pressure and it impacts nearly half of all adults. One in five U.S. adults with high blood pressure are not aware they have the condition, which places them at high risk for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney failure. Medication and lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, however, studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition. In November 2023, Renal Denervation (RDN), a technological innovation that meet the needs of patients received FDA approval in the United States.

RDN can reduce activity in the renal nerves in the kidneys to help lower blood pressure. An interventional cardiologist uses a catheter to send ultrasound or radiofrequency (heat) energy to the renal arteries, the blood vessels supplying blood to the kidneys. After sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

 “For some patients, despite successful cardiac procedures and medication, hypertension can continue to be unresolved and uncontrolled. This treatment now available at HCA Florida Largo Hospital is an exciting advancement for our community and patients.  This new treatment can help minimize the stress on our patients’ kidney function and we can also consider decreasing the amount of hypertensive medications that have been linked to potential long-term kidney damage” shared Dr. Merrill Krolick, Interventional Cardiologist.