Hypertension

High blood pressure increases a patient's risk of heart attack, stroke and other diseases. Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, or high blood pressure, and only about 1 in 4 of those individuals has their hypertension under control. The World Health Organization (WHO) expects the epidemic of hypertension world-wide will exceed 1.56 billion people by 2025. Major efforts are underway to better control this primary risk factor through screenings, medication and invasive procedures such as renal denervation in severely uncontrolled patients.

More good news for renal denervation: FDA-approved systems linked to positive long-term data
New data on the RDN systems from Recor Medical and Medtronic confirmed that this relatively new technology brings long-term relief to patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Nearly 600K bottles of blood pressure drug recalled due to carcinogen risk
The FDA has detailed three voluntary recalls for prazosin hydrochloride, a medication used to treat hypertension, due to safety concerns.
Medicare now covers renal denervation for patients with uncontrolled hypertension
This decision expands access to renal denervation to many more patients throughout the United States. Recor Medical and Medtronic both gained FDA approval for their RDN systems in 2023, and other vendors are actively developing their own treatment options.
'The less you drink, the better': Even minor changes in alcohol use lower hypertension risk
These new findings challenge the long-standing assumption that low levels of alcohol do not meaningfully influence a person's blood pressure.
A call to action for pediatric cardiologists: CVD prevention begins at childhood
Pediatric cardiologists can make a significant impact on global health trends by looking for early warning signs of CVD in their patients and collaborating with other physicians.

Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation

Medtronic’s RDN system approved in Japan

Hypertension is a significant issue in Japan, impacting an estimated 43 million adults. Medtronic's Symplicity Spyral RDN system is now approved for the treatment of those patients.

Recor Medical gains historic approval for its ultrasound RDN system

Recor Medical's Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System is the first medical device approved for the treatment of hypertension in Japan. It first gained FDA approval back in 2023.

FDA clears new trial of first-in-class treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension

The new drug, VTB-10, previously received the FDA's orphan drug designation in 2024.

cardiologist doctor physician patient black diverse hypertension

New hypertension guidelines embrace early treatment, updated risk assessments and renal denervation

New ACC/AHA recommendations encourage clinicians to take a proactive approach when managing patients with elevated or high blood pressure. The inclusion of renal denervation in this document represents clear progress for a relatively new technology.

Wildfire pollution image. Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association.

Air purifiers may reduce cardiovascular risks from pollution and wildfires

Multiple studies in recent years have linked poor air quality to significant cardiac risks. Air filters, however, have shown potential to help combat these risks.

ESC Congress 2022 European Society of Cardiology

The most anticipated trials at ESC 2025

The European Society of Cardiology 2025 congress includes 10 Hot Line sessions and 28 late-breaking science sessions to showcase the latest science.

Widespread use of polypills could prevent up to 72 million heart disease deaths

Targeting high-risk patients with single-pill combination therapies, also known as polypills, could change healthcare on a global scale, according new data published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation system uses a catheter that curls in the renal artery to place radiofrequency electrodes against the vessel wall to ablate the nerves that control vasodilation, so the artery can be propped in the fully open position.

CMS proposes Medicare coverage for renal denervation

This proposal, if finalized, would dramatically increase patient access to renal denervation. Both Recor Medical and Medtronic have shared their excitement over the news.

Hypertension

More good news for renal denervation: FDA-approved systems linked to positive long-term data

Nearly 600K bottles of blood pressure drug recalled due to carcinogen risk

Medicare now covers renal denervation for patients with uncontrolled hypertension

'The less you drink, the better': Even minor changes in alcohol use lower hypertension risk

A call to action for pediatric cardiologists: CVD prevention begins at childhood