Innovative Treatments Significantly Aid Patients With Resistant Hypertension
Innovative Solutions for Resistant Hypertension
Understanding Resistant Hypertension
May 17, 2025, marks World Hypertension Day, dedicated to raising awareness about high blood pressure, often referred to as the 'silent killer.' Many individuals with hypertension remain unaware of their condition until it leads to severe health problems, which is alarming. It is estimated that the number of adults suffering from hypertension has surged from 650 million in 1990 to 1.3 billion by 2019, with only 54% diagnosed and a mere 42% receiving treatment according to a World Health Organization report.
A significant concern arises since hypertension can remain undetected or poorly controlled, increasing the risk of severe health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases. Thus, precise diagnosis, monitoring, and management are crucial.
The Challenge of Treatment
Among patients receiving treatment for hypertension, around one-third continue to struggle with uncontrolled blood pressure despite making lifestyle changes and being prescribed multiple medications. For these individuals, innovative solutions are essential to effectively manage their condition and enhance their quality of life. Therapeutic options are evolving beyond pharmaceutical treatments, with new technologies emerging that provide vital benefits for patients. One such advancement is the renal denervation technology, specifically the Paradise™ system by Recor Medical, utilizing ultrasound to address hypertension effectively.
Renal Denervation Technology
The Paradise uRDN (ultrasound renal denervation) system represents a breakthrough in managing hypertension. This innovative approach reduces blood pressure by targeting and disrupting the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries — the nerves responsible for heightened activity that leads to elevated blood pressure. The system delivers 360-degree ultrasound energy in doses lasting seven seconds each, ensuring specific targeting of the nerves while protecting the arterial wall through its HydroCooling™ system, which circulates sterile water throughout the process.
Supported by numerous medical societies, including the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology, the Paradise system offers a minimally invasive procedure that has shown promising results. The benefits of lowering blood pressure by just 5 to 10 mmHg are crucial, particularly for patients facing multiple cardiovascular risks, such as diabetes. Notably, controlling blood pressure early on can help slow down vascular aging. However, globally, many patients fail to meet even the basic control threshold of 140/90 mmHg, showcasing the urgent need for effective treatments.
Clinical Validation and Future Perspectives
Recor Medical, based in Palo Alto, California, has been rigorously focused on developing and validating the uRDN technology since 2009. The company has conducted three independent randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness and safety of the Paradise system. In a bid to collect real-world clinical data, Recor initiated the Global Paradise System (GPS) Post-Approval Study, aiming to monitor 1,000 patients in the U.S. suffering from uncontrolled hypertension over the long term.
This treatment approach is designed for hypertension patients who do not achieve adequate blood pressure control through lifestyle changes or medication alone. Special care must be taken in evaluating whether a patient qualifies for ultrasound renal denervation. Typical risks associated with the procedure include pain, complications at the vascular access site, and vessel spasms. The advantages of using the Paradise system provide a new lifeline for many patients struggling with resistant hypertension.
Conclusion
On this World Hypertension Day, as we emphasize education, management, and control of high blood pressure, advancements like the Paradise uRDN system highlight the tremendous potential for improving health outcomes. It reinforces the importance of ongoing innovation in hypertension management and the imperative to make effective treatments accessible for all who need them. The collaboration of healthcare professionals, technological progress, and community awareness is vital for combating the global hypertension epidemic.