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Hypertension

Baroreflex activation therapy lowers BP

Nature Reviews Cardiology volume 8, page 540 (2011)Cite this article

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Despite using multiple pharmacological therapies, many patients are unable to get their blood pressure (BP) down to target levels. The Rheos pivotal trial investigators have now reported that, although their study did not meet some of its primary end points, baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) can lower BP in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. Further improvement of this technology is currently underway.

BAT involves the application of electrical impulses to the carotid sinus, to modulate deranged sympathovagal balance in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. This stimulation of the carotid baroreceptors results in the brain receiving the message that BP is increased and, consequentially, signals to reduce BP are sent to the kidneys, heart, and vasculature.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER

  1. Bisognano, J. D. et al. Baroreflex activation therapy lowers blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension: results from the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Rheos pivotal trial. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 58, 765–773 (2011)

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  1. Bryony M. Mearns
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Mearns, B. Baroreflex activation therapy lowers BP. Nat Rev Cardiol 8, 540 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2011.126

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