Renal Denervation with Dr. Michael Seawell - DHR Health Talks

Can’t control your blood pressure? In this episode of DHR Health Talks, Dr. Michael Seawell, Interventional Cardiologist at DHR Health, explains renal denervation, an innovative treatment for patients with resistant hypertension. Learn who qualifies, how the procedure works, and what to expect before and after treatment. If you or a loved one is dealing with high blood pressure, this episode can help you understand your options. To schedule an appointment with our DHR Health Heart Institute you can call 956-362-8740. Or visit www.dhrhealth.com Subscribe to DHR Health Talks for more informative conversations with healthcare specialists across the Rio Grande Valley. Medical disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. Do NOT use it for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call your physician or qualified healthcare provider, or dial 911 immediately. Never attempt self-treatment based on this or any other video. #health #wellness #bloodpressure #highbloodpressure #hypertension #heartdisease #renaldenervation #cardiology #hearthealth #dhrhealth Renal Denervation for Resistant High Blood Pressure Podcast Summary In this episode of DHR Health Talks, Dr. Dan Guerra interviews interventional cardiologist Dr. Michael Sewell about renal denervation, a relatively new treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension. Dr. Sewell discusses his background in interventional and general cardiology, his experience treating coronary artery disease and vascular conditions, and his role in bringing this advanced procedure to the Rio Grande Valley. Renal denervation is designed to help patients whose high blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking multiple medications. The procedure targets the nerves surrounding the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. These nerves play a significant role in regulating blood pressure through the body's sympathetic nervous system. By reducing nerve activity around the kidneys, renal denervation can help lower blood pressure over time. The procedure is performed using a small catheter inserted through the femoral artery in the groin, similar to a cardiac catheterization. Guided by imaging, the physician advances a specialized spiral-shaped catheter into the renal arteries. The device delivers energy to selectively alter the surrounding nerves. No implant or device remains in the body after the procedure. The treatment is highly localized and only affects nerves around the kidney arteries. From the patient’s perspective, renal denervation is an outpatient procedure performed in a cardiac catheterization laboratory. Patients receive moderate to deep sedation to ensure comfort, but general anesthesia is not required. The procedure typically takes about one hour, after which patients spend a short period in recovery before returning home the same day. Ideal candidates are individuals with resistant hypertension, generally defined as blood pressure remaining above 140/90 despite taking at least three blood pressure medications. Before proceeding, physicians conduct a thorough evaluation, including laboratory testing, imaging studies of the kidneys and renal arteries, and screening for other causes of hypertension such as thyroid disorders or adrenal gland abnormalities. Recovery is generally quick. Patients remain under observation for a few hours following the procedure to ensure the catheter access site is stable. Most individuals can resume normal daily activities within one to two days, although temporary restrictions on heavy lifting may be recommended immediately after treatment. The blood pressure-lowering effects of renal denervation are not usually immediate. Benefits may develop gradually over several weeks or months as the targeted nerves become less active. Some patients notice improvements sooner, while others experience progressive reductions in blood pressure over time. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor blood pressure and adjust medications as needed. Current research shows that the benefits of renal denervation can last for at least five years, with some studies suggesting even longer-term effectiveness. Although the procedure has been studied since the mid-2000s, it only recently received FDA approval, making it one of the newer treatment options available for resistant hypertension. Dr. Sewell emphasizes that renal denervation is not a replacement for blood pressure medications or healthy lifestyle habits. Most patients will continue taking medications after the procedure, although some may be able to reduce the number or dosage of medications required. The primary goal is better blood pressure control, which can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, and other cardiovascular complications.