New Treatments Offer Hope for Patients with Resistant High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," is a common chronic condition that usually presents no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage, and vision loss. Because it often goes unnoticed until severe complications arise, experts recommend regular blood pressure monitoring even in healthy individuals. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, losing weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and, when necessary, medication. However, some patients suffer from resistant hypertension, where blood pressure remains high despite multiple medications.
Recently, two significant advancements have emerged to improve treatment options for these patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called Baxdrostat, designed for adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Baxdrostat works by inhibiting aldosterone production, a hormone involved in blood pressure regulation and fluid balance, helping patients who do not respond adequately to standard therapies.
In Israel, a pioneering procedure called renal denervation was performed for the first time at Soroka Medical Center. This innovative catheter-based treatment targets the renal arteries, using radiofrequency energy to reduce sympathetic nerve activity that contributes to elevated blood pressure. The first patient underwent the procedure about a month ago and is currently under medical follow-up. Dr. Gabi Rosenshtein, head of the urgent catheterization service at Soroka, emphasized that this procedure represents a significant advancement for patients with resistant hypertension and is often combined with ongoing medication.
Both the new drug and the renal denervation procedure are intended primarily for patients with resistant hypertension after thorough medical evaluation and personalized treatment planning. Despite these innovations, experts stress that early diagnosis, regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices, and adherence to prescribed treatments remain the most effective strategies to reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure.
