According to the Centers of Disease and Control (CDC), 1 in 3 Americans have high blood pressure (DHDSP- High Blood Pressure Retrieved October 16, 2009 CDC). A person afflicted with high blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms; this could mean that the numbers are even higher.
Treating High Blood Pressure
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to strokes, kidney failure and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment includes lifestyles changes such as losing weight, dietary changes and exercise. Quitting smoking and consuming fewer than a couple of drinks a day may also help an individual’s chances of lowering their blood pressure. However, in some case lifestyle changes alone may not be enough and in those cases medication is prescribed.
Medications Used to Treat Hypertension
The medication of choice will depend on the severity of hypertension. Doctors will normally first prescribe diuretics. Diuretics work by removing water and sodium from the body which effectively lowers the blood pressure. Failing diuretics the doctors turn to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (such as lisinopril), angiotensin II receptors blockers, beta blockers (such as atenolol), and calcium channel blockers (such as dilitiazem). In some difficult cases Doctors may also prescribe the above drugs in combination.
How the Body Normally Manages Hypertension
A normal body’s reflex to manage high blood pressure is called the baroreflex. The baroreflex is a part of the human body’s system that is used to manage the body’s blood pressure. The system runs from the neck in the carotid arteries where the baroreceptors are found. The baroreceptors in the arteries send a signal to the brain when blood pressure gets too high. The brain then signals the heart, blood vessels and kidneys to lower the blood pressure.
Introducing Rhoes an Implanted Device that Manages High Blood Pressure
Rhoes is a new medical device that is still being tested for human safety in Phase III clinical trials. The device uses the baroreflex to lower blood pressure. The Rhoes device is implanted surgically. The device has three components: a battery powered pack, which is implanted near the collar bone and two electrical leads that run from the power pack to the carotid arteries in the patient's neck. The leads are placed where the baroreceptors are located. The pulse generator once active will send signals to the leads, activating the baroreceptors which in turn send a signal to brain. The brain then responds by sending signals to the systems responsible for lowering blood pressure.
The Rhoes device is currently undergoing clinical trials to prove its efficacy in helping people with hypertension. The initial study results showed a lot of promise.
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