A new medical procedure offers hope for people suffering from high blood pressure linked to primary aldosteronism. This condition, which affects one in 20 people with hypertension, leads to excessive salt retention, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. In the UK alone, around 500,000 people struggle with this form of high blood pressure, often relying on lifelong medication or undergoing surgery.
A New Approach to Treatment
Doctors in London and Cambridge have developed an innovative procedure called targeted thermal therapy (TTT). This minimally invasive treatment uses short bursts of intense heat to destroy small nodules on the adrenal glands. These nodules cause excessive aldosterone production, which leads to high blood pressure.
Traditional treatments for primary aldosteronism include medications to block aldosterone or, in severe cases, surgery to remove the affected adrenal gland. Surgery requires general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and weeks of recovery. In contrast, TTT takes only 20 minutes and is performed under sedation. Patients can go home the same day, making it a much less invasive option.
Promising Early Results
A small clinical trial involving 28 patients showed encouraging outcomes. Some participants stopped taking medication entirely, while others experienced significant improvements in blood pressure control. The procedure also successfully reduced excess aldosterone production in most cases.
Dr. Michael Sullivan, a researcher at Cambridge University, explained the potential benefits: “Many patients struggle to control their blood pressure despite taking multiple medications. This new therapy targets the root cause, rather than just managing symptoms.”
One patient, James Roberts, 56, had been on three different medications for years with limited success. After undergoing TTT, he was able to reduce his medication and saw his blood pressure return to normal levels. “I feel like I have my life back,” he said.
The Need for Larger Trials
Following the success of the initial study, researchers have launched a larger trial involving 110 participants. The goal is to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of the procedure. If results continue to be positive, TTT could soon become a mainstream option for those with resistant hypertension.
Experts believe this breakthrough could revolutionize treatment. Dr. Emily Foster, a leading cardiologist, emphasized the significance of the findings: “If we can confirm these results in larger studies, this therapy could become a game-changer. It offers an effective alternative to lifelong medication and invasive surgery.”
A Step Toward Better Hypertension Care
Resistant hypertension remains a major global health concern. It significantly increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure. The development of targeted thermal therapy represents a major step forward in offering a safer, more effective solution.
In addition to medical benefits, the new procedure could also ease the burden on healthcare systems. Patients who undergo TTT may require fewer doctor visits, hospital stays, and medications over time. This could lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare providers.
While challenges remain, such as ensuring widespread access to the treatment, medical experts are optimistic. If the ongoing trials confirm its safety and effectiveness, targeted thermal therapy could transform how doctors treat resistant hypertension worldwide.
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