Scientists Uncover Groundbreaking Treatment for Resistant High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly 1.3 billion people worldwide. Despite various treatments available, around half of these individuals experience uncontrolled or resistant hypertension, putting them at a higher risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and early death. A new Phase III clinical trial has made a significant breakthrough in addressing this issue.

The study, led by Professor Bryan Williams from the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, involved nearly 800 patients across 214 clinics worldwide. The participants were given either baxdrostat (1 mg or 2 mg once daily) or a placebo. After 12 weeks, the results showed that those taking baxdrostat experienced an average reduction in systolic blood pressure by around 9-10 mmHg, compared to the placebo group.

This significant drop in blood pressure has substantial implications for cardiovascular health. “Achieving a nearly 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure with baxdrostat in the BaxHTN Phase III trial is exciting,” Professor Williams stated. “This level of reduction is linked to substantially lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.”

The innovative aspect of this treatment lies in its mechanism of action. Blood pressure is strongly influenced by a hormone called aldosterone, which regulates salt and water balance in the kidneys. Some individuals produce excessive amounts of aldosterone, causing their blood pressure to rise and become difficult to control.

Baxdrostat works by directly addressing this issue, blocking the production of aldosterone. This targeted approach has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. As Professor Williams noted, “These findings are an important advance in treatment and our understanding of the cause of difficult-to-control blood pressure.”

The impact of this breakthrough could be substantial, with potential benefits for up to half a billion people worldwide, including 10 million people in the UK alone. This new treatment offers hope for more effective management of resistant hypertension and improved cardiovascular health outcomes.