Queen Alexandra Hospital performs new procedure for patients with high blood pressure

Queen Alexandra Hospital have welcomed a new innovative procedure that has been performed for the first time in a bid to tackle health problems caused by high blood pressure.

In a clinical trial, doctors at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have carried out a minimally invasive procedure on three patients with high blood pressure.

The procedure, called Renal Denervation, involves the insertion of a catheter into a patient’s leg, which then delivers radio-frequency energy to specific nerves near the kidneys, which can become overactive causing high blood pressure. By delivering energy to the overactive nerves, it results in blood pressure decreasing.

Christina Holland, from Stamshaw in Portsmouth, was one of the first patients to receive the treatment at the Cosham hospital, and she has suffered with high blood pressure for over two years, which has caused heart palpitations and back pain.

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The grandmother of 15 said: ‘I was referred to the High Blood Pressure Clinic at QA Hospital and the doctor explained this new procedure and thought I would be right for this. I must admit I was very scared going in for the procedure, but the nurses and doctors were so friendly and put me at ease.

‘I was only in for the day and a week later my blood pressure has gone down significantly. I would highly recommend to those people who may be suffering right now with high blood pressure and who could be suitable for this to ask their doctors about it.’

The one hour procedure is currently licensed for use in over 60 countries and is in clinical trials in England.

Dr Peter Haworth, consultant interventional cardiologist at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: ‘We’re very excited to have completed the first renal denervation procedures at QA Hospital – it’s been in the planning for the last four years and we believe this will have a huge impact on the quality of life for our patients suffering from high blood pressure.

‘High blood pressure is a leading preventable cause of heart attack, stroke, kidney failures and other serious conditions. But sometimes medication and lifestyle changes are not always enough to control it.’