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New Treatment Could Cure Hidden Cause Of High Blood Pressure
Doctors in the UK have developed a new, simple, and minimally invasive treatment that could revolutionize how a common but often overlooked cause of high blood pressure is treated. This breakthrough, known as Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T), could help millions of people worldwide who currently go undiagnosed and untreated.
A Hidden Cause of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects one in three adults, yet a condition called primary aldosteronism is responsible for around 5% of these cases. Unfortunately, fewer than 1% of people with this condition are ever diagnosed.
Primary aldosteronism occurs when small, benign nodules in the adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone raises blood pressure by increasing the body's salt levels. People with this condition often do not respond well to standard blood pressure medications and face a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
A New Alternative to Surgery
Until now, the only cure for primary aldosteronism was surgery to remove the entire adrenal gland. This required general anesthesia, a hospital stay of two to three days, and a long recovery period. As a result, many patients went untreated.
Triple T offers a safer, quicker alternative by targeting and destroying the small nodule while leaving the rest of the adrenal gland intact. Recent advancements in diagnostic scans have made it possible to locate these tiny nodules more accurately using special molecular dyes.
The treatment works by using a modified version of two well-established medical techniques. A tiny internal camera, similar to the one used in routine endoscopy, is inserted through the mouth into the stomach.
Using ultrasound imaging, doctors locate the adrenal gland, which sits close to the stomach. A fine needle is then guided directly into the nodule. Short bursts of heat, generated by radiofrequency or microwaves, destroy the malfunctioning tissue while leaving healthy surrounding areas unharmed.
This entire procedure takes just 20 minutes and requires no internal or external incisions, meaning patients can recover almost immediately.
Successful Trial Brings New Hope
The first study to test this technique, called FABULAS, involved 28 patients with primary aldosteronism. Each patient had a hormone-producing nodule in the left adrenal gland, identified through specialized scans.
The results were highly promising:
Professor Morris Brown, a co-senior author of the study and an expert in endocrine hypertension at Queen Mary University of London, noted that this research fulfills a prediction made decades ago.
In the 1950s, a doctor in the U.S., Jerome Conn, suggested that 10-20% of high blood pressure cases could one day be linked to curable nodules in the adrenal glands. This new technique may finally make widespread diagnosis and treatment a reality.
One of the study participants, Michelina Alfieri, shared her experience: "Before the study, I had severe headaches for years, despite multiple visits to my doctor.
As a single parent with a full-time job, my daily life was affected. After this non-invasive treatment, I recovered immediately and could return to my normal routine. I'm incredibly grateful for this option."
What's Next?
Following the success of FABULAS, a larger study called "WAVE" is now underway. This randomized trial will compare Triple T with traditional adrenal surgery in 120 patients, with results expected in 2027. If successful, this treatment could become widely available in endoscopy units across the UK and beyond.
Professor Stephen Pereira, the chief investigator of FABULAS, emphasized the potential of this breakthrough: "With proper training, this technique could be adopted worldwide, providing a less invasive option for patients suffering from high blood pressure due to adrenal nodules."
Professor Mark Gurnell, a clinical endocrinology expert at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the importance of new diagnostic tools that made this study possible. "For the first time, we can precisely locate and treat adrenal nodules non-invasively," he said.
"This means more people can be diagnosed and treated, reducing their risk of heart disease and other complications, and lowering their dependence on lifelong blood pressure medication."
A Major Step Forward for Hypertension Treatment
For the millions of people suffering from undiagnosed primary aldosteronism, this research offers new hope. By replacing major surgery with a quick, incision-free procedure, Triple T could allow patients to recover faster and enjoy better long-term health.
With further trials underway, this breakthrough treatment could soon become a standard procedure worldwide, transforming care for patients with this curable form of high blood pressure.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about blood pressure drug that may increase risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and these teas could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about nutrient that could strongly lower high blood pressure, and results showing this novel antioxidant may help reverse blood vessels aging by 20 years.
The research findings can be found in The Lancet.
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Expert Shares Quick Cure To Common Causes Of High Blood Pressure You Need To Know
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent killer affecting millions worldwide. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. While medication is often necessary for severe cases, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can work wonders in controlling and even reversing hypertension.
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital - Noida, explained the common causes of high blood pressure and quick cures that can help you maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. Here is what he shared with us.
1. Poor Diet Choices Quick Cure: Adopting a heart-healthy diet.A diet high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can lead to high blood pressure. To counteract this:
A sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Engaging in physical activity can help regulate blood pressure levels by improving heart health and circulation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming) most days of the week. Additionally, include strength training to improve overall cardiovascular health. Lastly, take short breaks to stand up and move throughout the day, especially if you have a desk job.
3. Stress and Anxiety Quick Cure: Practicing stress-reducing techniques.Chronic stress leads to the release of hormones that temporarily spike blood pressure. To manage stress effectively:
Too much alcohol and caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure and contribute to long-term hypertension. Therefore, limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Reduce caffeine consumption by choosing herbal teas or decaf options, and stay hydrated with water, to help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
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5. Obesity and Excess Weight Quick Cure: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.Excess weight puts strain on the heart, leading to elevated blood pressure. Hence, focus on portion control and avoid overeating. Opt for nutrient-dense, whole foods instead of processed, high-calorie meals and combine regular exercise with a balanced diet to shed excess weight naturally.
6. Lack of Quality Sleep Quick Cure: Establishing a healthy sleep routine.Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can contribute to hypertension. Aim for seven to nine hours of restful sleep per night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding screens and stimulants before bed. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
BottomlineHigh blood pressure is a serious health concern, but with the right lifestyle changes, it can be effectively managed or even reversed. By adopting a heart-healthy diet, staying active, reducing stress, moderating alcohol and caffeine intake, maintaining a healthy weight, prioritising sleep, and quitting smoking, you can significantly improve your cardiovascular health. Small, consistent changes lead to long-term benefits, ensuring a healthier and longer life.
How High Blood Pressure Triggers Heart Attacks And Stroke
Experts reveal critical ways the 'silent killer' damages your cardiovascular system without warning signs
High blood pressure, often called the "silent killer," affects millions worldwide while quietly inflicting damage on vital organs long before any symptoms appear. This stealthy condition creates a dangerous domino effect throughout your cardiovascular system that can culminate in life-threatening heart attacks and strokes. Understanding exactly how elevated blood pressure threatens your health can provide powerful motivation to take control of your numbers before crisis strikes.
The hidden assault on arterial wallsWhen blood pressure remains elevated, it exerts excessive force against your artery walls, initiating a cascade of damage throughout your body. This constant pressure causes arterial walls to thicken and gradually lose their natural elasticity – creating ideal conditions for fatty deposits, or plaque, to accumulate within the walls.
This process, known medically as atherosclerosis, progressively narrows the vital passageways that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your organs. As arteries become increasingly constricted, blood flow diminishes, particularly affecting critical areas like the coronary arteries serving your heart and the cerebral arteries supplying your brain.
Research published in The Lancet shows that every 20-point increase in systolic blood pressure (the top number) doubles the risk of experiencing a serious cardiovascular event. For many people, this damage accumulates over decades without any noticeable symptoms until reaching a critical tipping point.
"The truly dangerous aspect of high blood pressure is how it can damage blood vessels throughout your entire body without you feeling anything wrong," explains Dr. Elizabeth Morales, cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. "By the time symptoms develop, significant damage has often already occurred."
Medical imaging reveals that individuals with long-standing high blood pressure typically develop arterial walls that are thicker, stiffer, and more compromised than their healthy-pressure counterparts of the same age. This arterial aging process accelerates cardiovascular risk far beyond normal expectations.
Dangerous blood clot formationThe vessel damage created by sustained high blood pressure establishes perfect conditions for blood clot development – a potentially deadly complication. Rough, irregular surfaces inside damaged arteries can trigger the body's clotting mechanism, creating blockages that halt critical blood flow within seconds.
When these clots form or lodge in coronary arteries, they can immediately trigger the classic heart attack symptoms: crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, and numbness radiating down the left arm. If a clot travels to the brain, it causes a stroke, often manifesting as sudden weakness on one side of the body, confusion, or slurred speech.
The unpredictability of clot formation makes high blood pressure particularly treacherous. Even individuals with mild to moderate hypertension can experience catastrophic clotting events if vessel damage reaches a critical threshold or additional risk factors come into play.
Recent research from the American Heart Association found that individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure faced nearly three times the risk of developing dangerous blood clots compared to those maintaining healthy pressure. This elevated risk persisted even after accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol levels and smoking status.
Progressive heart muscle deteriorationYour heart responds to high blood pressure by working harder to push blood through constricted vessels. This increased workload causes the heart's main pumping chamber – the left ventricle – to thicken and enlarge, a condition called left ventricular hypertrophy.
While this adaptation initially helps manage the extra pressure, it ultimately leads to weakened heart function. The thickened muscle becomes less efficient, requires more oxygen, and gradually loses pumping strength. This deterioration can eventually develop into heart failure, where the heart cannot meet the body's blood flow needs.
Medical studies indicate that individuals with long-standing high blood pressure often display measurable heart muscle changes within five years of developing the condition. These alterations appear even in people who feel completely normal and have no awareness of their cardiovascular status.
Dangerous heart rhythm disruptionsHigh blood pressure can trigger atrial fibrillation (AFib) – a chaotic, irregular heartbeat originating in the heart's upper chambers. This rhythm disturbance allows blood to pool within the heart, creating ideal conditions for clot formation. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing devastating strokes.
Clinical research shows that AFib patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure face five times higher stroke risk than those maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Moreover, these hypertension-related strokes tend to be more severe, frequently causing permanent disability due to their larger size and impact on critical brain regions.
The relationship between high blood pressure and AFib creates a particularly dangerous cycle. The increased pressure damages heart tissue, triggering irregular rhythms, which then increase clotting risk, potentially leading to stroke. Breaking this cycle requires aggressive blood pressure management, especially in individuals already diagnosed with rhythm disorders.
"We see a clear relationship between blood pressure control and AFib symptoms," explains Dr. Sarah Chen, electrophysiologist at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Many patients experience fewer arrhythmia episodes when their blood pressure is consistently within target range."
Gradual brain blood flow reductionBeyond the acute risk of stroke, chronic high blood pressure steadily restricts blood supply to the brain, potentially causing mini-strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). These brief episodes serve as warning signs that brain vessels are under severe strain.
The warning signals of reduced brain blood flow include – temporary vision disturbances; sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech; brief weakness on one side of the body; unexplained balance problems and; short-term memory issues that seem to come and go
Each TIA indicates significantly increased risk for a major stroke, with studies showing approximately one in three people who experience a TIA will have a full stroke within a year if underlying conditions like high blood pressure remain unaddressed.
Perhaps most concerning is research showing that long-term high blood pressure contributes to cognitive decline and dementia risk, even without obvious stroke events. The constant strain on small blood vessels throughout the brain causes cumulative damage that affects thinking skills, memory, and overall brain function.
"The connection between hypertension and cognitive health becomes increasingly clear as research advances," notes Dr. Michelle Wong, neurologist specializing in stroke prevention. "Protecting your brain starts with controlling your blood pressure, ideally beginning in middle age before damage accumulates."
Taking control: Practical steps for protectionManaging high blood pressure requires consistent attention to lifestyle factors combined with appropriate medical guidance. The good news is that research consistently shows even modest improvements can yield significant health benefits. Reducing systolic blood pressure by just 10 points can cut heart attack and stroke risk by approximately 20%.
Essential prevention strategies include:
Monitor regularlyHome blood pressure monitoring provides crucial insights into how your pressure fluctuates throughout the day and how effectively treatments work. Modern digital monitors make this process simple and accurate.
"I recommend patients take readings at the same times daily and keep a log they can share during medical appointments," advises Dr. Wilson. "This information helps identify patterns that office readings alone might miss."
Many insurance plans now cover home monitoring equipment with a prescription, removing financial barriers to this important self-care tool.
Embrace consistent physical activityRegular exercise strengthens your heart, improves blood vessel function, and helps maintain healthy weight – all factors that directly impact blood pressure. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days weekly.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even breaking activity into three 10-minute sessions daily produced significant blood pressure improvements. Walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing all provide excellent cardiovascular benefits without requiring special equipment or athletic ability.
Modify dietary patternsNutrition plays a central role in blood pressure management. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in clinical trials, lowering blood pressure within weeks of adoption.
Key DASH principles include – increasing vegetable and fruit consumption; choosing whole grains over refined carbohydrates; selecting lean proteins like fish, poultry, and beans; limiting saturated fats and processed foods; reducing sodium to 2,300 mg daily or less and; minimizing alcohol consumption
"Many patients see blood pressure improvements within two weeks of adopting the DASH eating pattern," notes Dr. Maria Jackson, preventive cardiologist at Stanford Medical Center. "The combined effect of increased potassium, magnesium, and calcium from whole foods helps counteract sodium's effects on blood pressure."
Manage stress effectivelyChronic stress contributes to high blood pressure through hormonal mechanisms and by promoting unhealthy coping behaviors. Implementing stress management techniques can help lower pressure and improve overall wellbeing.
Effective approaches include – regular meditation or mindfulness practice; keep breathing exercises; progressive muscle relaxation; yoga or tai chi; adequate sleep hygiene and; social connection and emotional support
Research indicates that practicing stress reduction techniques for just 15 minutes daily can lower blood pressure by 5-8 points in many individuals – an effect comparable to some medication therapies.
Maintain medication adherenceFor many people with high blood pressure, lifestyle modifications alone cannot achieve target levels. Prescription medications play a crucial role in comprehensive management, but they only work when taken consistently.
Studies show approximately 50% of patients do not take blood pressure medications as prescribed, often due to concerns about side effects or simply forgetting doses. Using pill organizers, setting phone reminders, and discussing medication concerns openly with healthcare providers can significantly improve adherence.
"If you're experiencing side effects, don't simply stop taking your medication," warns Dr. Morales. "Many alternative options exist, and your provider can help find the right match for your specific situation."
Partner with healthcare professionalsRegular medical check-ups help track blood pressure trends and adjust treatment plans as needed. Bringing home monitoring records to appointments provides valuable data for making informed decisions about your care.
Keep detailed blood pressure logs noting the time of day, recent activities, and any symptoms you experience around readings. This information helps doctors identify patterns and optimize treatment strategies for your specific situation.
Many healthcare systems now offer specialized hypertension clinics with teams dedicated to blood pressure management. These resources can provide comprehensive support, particularly for individuals with resistant hypertension that doesn't respond to standard approaches.
Looking toward a healthier futureHigh blood pressure's effects accumulate silently over time, but taking action today can significantly reduce future risks. Research indicates that proper management can add 5-10 years of healthy life expectancy for most individuals.
Understanding these pathways of damage emphasizes why controlling blood pressure matters beyond just changing numbers on a monitor. With consistent attention to lifestyle factors and appropriate medical care, you can protect your cardiovascular system and maintain quality of life for years to come.
"The most important message about high blood pressure is that it's largely manageable," emphasizes Dr. Chen. "Unlike many health conditions, we have clear evidence about what works to control it, and those strategies are accessible to most people."
Remember that blood pressure management represents a marathon, not a sprint. Small, sustained changes in daily habits often prove more effective than dramatic short-term measures. Your commitment to controlling blood pressure today builds a foundation for better health tomorrow, protecting both heart and brain from this silent but dangerous condition.
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