High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects approximately 50% of adults in the United States—roughly 120 million people—yet nearly 75% of those with the condition do not have it under control. Often called “the silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to significantly increased health risks including heart attack and stroke. For many patients, lifestyle changes and medications are the first steps, but up to 50% become non-adherent to their medications within one year, and medications aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
This World Heart Day, there’s an important number everyone should know: their blood pressure measurement. For those struggling with uncontrolled hypertension despite medication and lifestyle changes, additional treatment options are available. One such option is the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure, a minimally invasive procedure that works in tandem with lifestyle management and medication to help patients achieve blood pressure control and potentially reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The procedure works by calming excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to high blood pressure. It doesn’t require any implant and once done, the effects keep working 24 hours a day. While some patients may be able to reduce the number of antihypertensive medications they take, medication may need to be adjusted over time by a healthcare team. Symplicity may have side effects including headache, back pain, access site complications like bruising or hematoma, and in very rare cases, blood vessel injury or narrowing. More than 40,000 adults worldwide have received the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.
In recognition of World Heart Day, three individuals shared their journeys. Yazmin Rodriguez, a South Jersey mother of five and grandmother of one, always put her family first, but years of uncontrolled high blood pressure made that difficult, leaving her with frequent migraines and low energy despite taking multiple antihypertensive medications and making lifestyle changes. In 2024, Dr. Kintur Sanghvi, interventional cardiologist at Virtua Health, introduced her to the Symplicity procedure. Today, she has gained more control of her blood pressure and is able to keep up with her family. “For patients like Yazmin who have tried medications and lifestyle changes but continue to struggle with uncontrolled high blood pressure, renal denervation offers not only an adjunctive treatment option, but a renewed sense of hope for patients,” said Dr. Sanghvi.
Patrick Whitehouse, a 59-year-old from Sacramento, California, has always led an active lifestyle. But as his uncontrolled high blood pressure began to interfere with activities he loved, he searched for another option. The Symplicity procedure, alongside lifestyle changes and medication, helped him return to activities he enjoys most—including riding the iconic Denali Park Road in Alaska. Todd “Lumpy” Kocsis, of Gibsonburg, Ohio, has lived with uncontrolled high blood pressure since he was 18. Now 54, despite decades of treatment, multiple medications, and significant weight loss, his blood pressure continued to worsen, leading to frequent emergency room trips. After learning about the Symplicity procedure through his physician, Dr. Gbur at Fulton County Health Center, he now works full-time and stays active caring for his horses, scuba diving, and exercising.
If you’re living with uncontrolled high blood pressure, understanding your treatment options can be an important step toward reclaiming your health. To learn more about renal denervation and view additional important safety and risk information, visit beyondHBP.com. For more facts about high blood pressure, see the American Heart Association.
