- Cutting-edge procedure performed for first time in TN
- Offers hope to those who have not responded to medication
- Our team of physicians has proven yet again that they possess the acumen and know-how to perform procedures and improve clinical outcomes: Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group
- Findings from the National Family Health Survey of 2019-20 show that in India, 24% men and 21% women are hypertensive
NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 3
A team of doctors from Apollo Hospitals has performed a novel catheter-based therapy called Renal Denervation on a 73-year-old woman who had uncontrolled blood pressure, despite being on a mix of 6 drugs. The procedure, performed for the first time in Tamil Nadu, comes as respite to those who continue to suffer from hypertension and other blood pressure-related conditions despite being on a mix of drugs.
Her BP remained high, though she was drug-compliant and followed a regulated diet. The team of interventional cardiologists from Apollo Hospitals decided to perform Renal Denervation. According to this procedure, a pinhole insertion is made in the groin. A catheter (small tube) is then placed in the renal arteries (blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys) and radio-frequency is used to burn the nerve endings in the area. This helps in lowering blood pressure. This procedure is safe and done under local anesthesia.
The results were remarkable: the patient, the oldest to undergo this procedure in India, responded well to treatment. She was discharged the next day, after her BP readings were positive. The patient was then put on a mix of 3 drugs. The procedure minimized her overall risk of heart attack and stroke.
Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Apollo Hospitals has always been a healthcare provider of choice. Our team of physicians has proven yet again that they possess the acumen and know-how to perform procedures and improve clinical outcomes. I congratulate the team on the success of this therapy. Given that many adults are prone to hypertension, I believe that the efforts of this team will shape the discourse on priorities in public health.”
Dr Refai Showkathali, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Hypertension is an important public health challenge as it can impact cardiovascular health and overall life expectancy. We at Apollo Hospitals have adopted trending technologies and treatment procedures to ensure that we are equipped to deal with challenges in this critical space. The success of this procedure brings hope to those looking for advanced treatment of blood pressure-related conditions.”
Hypertension rates are particularly high among adults in the US and the UK. Findings from the National Family Health Survey of 2019-20 show that in India, 24% men and 21% women are hypertensive. Studies have also shown that controlling BP can significantly reduce events relating to heart attacks, stroke and impact overall mortality rates. The right combination of drugs and a controlled lifestyle are the key.
