Health

Health: Treating Blood Pressure

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― In health, Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has details on a revolutionary, drug-free way to treat high blood pressure that is being test in Philadelphia.

72 million Americans have high blood pressure; it is the leading cause of heart attacks.

Medications are the standard treatment, but they often cause side effects and sometimes don't work.

Now there is a pill-free treatment.

A grateful Hazelene Jackson is on her way home, her blood pressure under control for the first time in years.

"This is an early Christmas gift for me and I'm just ecstatic; I know I don't have to suffer like I have," Jackson said.

Jackson is the first patient in Philadelphia to get a device that controls blood pressure.

"This is very innovative because it has the potential no longer requiring patients to take multiple medications," said Dr. John Blebia.

It is called the Rheos System. This device is surgically implanted under the collar bone. Its thin wires, electrodes, are attached to the carotid arteries and a sensory nerve in the neck.

"These electrodes can stimulate that nerve directly and in so doing induce the brain to bring down blood pressure," explained Dr. Blebia.

So it is activating the bodies own natural ability to control hypertension.

Temple University Hospital is the only one in Philadelphia testing the device as part of a worldwide FDA trial.

"The results of the study so far have been impressive," said Dr. Blebia.

"I feel real good and I know now I can dance, I can swim and I love my slots, so now I can do all these things and not worry about a bag full of medicines," said Jackson.

Or having another stroke … Hazelene's blood pressure was out of control even with medications, but not anymore.

"It's a blessing, it's really a blessing for me," she said.

It entailed a five hour surgery on Monday to implant the device.

It will be tested on about 300 patients nation-wide who have dangerously, uncontrollable hypertension.

If you are interested in the study you can call:

Rheos Pivotal Trial
1-866-913-2584

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