Who is it for?
Patients whose blood pressure exceeds 160/90mmhg – 160 for systolic (heart contraction) and 90 for diastolic (heart relaxation). This is after taking three or more medications have failed to deliver an effective drop in blood pressure.
Hypertension is diagnosed when a patient’s blood pressure exceeds 140/90mmHg.
What is it?
Renal Denervation (RDN), or Ardian, is a catheter-based (insertion of a “tube”) procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to interrupt the supply of overactive sympathetic nerves running along the renal arteries – around the kidney area – in order to reduce blood pressure.
The minimally invasive procedure takes an estimated two hours to complete under moderate sedation.
What are its benefits?
Studies have shown a reduction of around 32mmHg systolic and 12mmHg diastolic in patients with an initial blood pressure greater than 160/90mmHg following a six-month period. The effects for RDN are known to last for a long time after the treatment.
Important Pre-treatment Screening
Prior to RDN, patients have to undergo a strict regime of tests to review their overall body and heart condition. These tests include:
- Physical examination
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Chest X-ray
- Blood Tests
- Echocardiogram
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
- Other tests at the doctor’s discretion
What is the recovery period like?
Patients can expect to be discharged within one to three days. After which, typical follow-ups will be conducted at the 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month mark. (This may vary between patients.)
