Scientists claim zapping kidneys with a radio beam produces dramatic improvement and could ‘revolutionise’ treatment
A doctor gauges a patient’s blood pressure: scientists say the new treatment deactivates renal nerves, which play a role in raising blood pressure. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
A new technique that lowers blood pressure by zapping the kidneys with a radio beam could “revolutionise” treatment, it was claimed today.
The therapy produced a dramatic improvement in patients who had been unable to control their high blood pressure with drugs.
Scientists believe it could lead to a completely new approach to managing high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
The treatment, reported today in an online edition of the Lancet medical journal, deactivates renal nerves, which play a role in raising blood pressure.
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