100% Effective Treatment for Hypertension Caused by Hormonal Disorder
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often linked to aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder affecting about 20% of individuals with hypertension. This condition is caused by the overproduction of the hormone aldosterone due to benign tumors in the adrenal glands. These tumors lead to high blood pressure, which many patients struggle to manage with traditional treatment methods. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have now developed a new treatment for aldosteronism-induced hypertension that has shown 100% effectiveness in pilot clinical trials, enabling most patients to stop using antihypertensive drugs entirely.
Aldosteronism and its Impact on Health
Aldosteronism causes the formation of benign nodules in the adrenal glands, which secrete excess aldosterone. This hormone imbalance results in elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Unfortunately, many patients do not respond well to standard treatments, which puts them at higher risk of developing life-threatening conditions like stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Traditionally, the only effective solution has been the complete removal of the affected adrenal gland, but this invasive procedure carries potential complications and long-term health risks.
New Treatment: Targeted Nodule Removal
Researchers have proposed a safer and more effective treatment that involves targeted removal of the adrenal gland nodules using radiofrequency and ultrasound technology. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the stomach into the adrenal gland under ultrasound guidance. Short bursts of heat are used to destroy the problematic tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The entire procedure takes just 20 minutes and does not require an incision or full anesthesia, making it much less invasive than traditional adrenal gland removal.
Promising Results from Clinical Trials
In a pilot study involving 28 patients with aldosteronism, the new treatment produced outstanding results. Most participants experienced a normalization of their hormone levels, allowing them to stop taking all antihypertensive medications. One participant, Michelina Alfieri, shared her gratitude, saying, “I suffered from severe symptoms for many years. The new treatment provided immediate recovery, and now I’m back to my normal life. I am incredibly grateful to the doctors.”
This breakthrough offers hope for patients with aldosteronism, providing a less invasive and more effective solution for managing hypertension. It also underscores the importance of proper hypertension treatment in preventing chronic diseases such as dementia.
The Importance of Hypertension Control
Earlier research has shown that ineffective treatment or neglecting hypertension increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 42%. The results from the study emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and treatment of blood pressure to prevent the onset of serious chronic illnesses, including neurodegenerative conditions.
By introducing this innovative, minimally invasive treatment, scientists have opened new doors for better managing hypertension caused by hormonal disorders, improving patients’ quality of life while reducing their reliance on long-term medication.
