Medically Verified By: Dr Prof Ajith Pillai, Chief Cardiologist and Head of Department, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai.
Your Blood Pressure Medications Aren’t Working? Resistant Hypertension Could Be The Reason
Resistant Hypertension: High blood pressure is a silent epidemic which impacts nearly 1 in 3 adults. Thus, detecting hypertension early is crucial. What happens when blood pressure remains high despite medication and tweaks in lifestyle tweaks is called resistant hypertension.
Dr Prof Ajith Pillai, Chief Cardiologist and Head of Department, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, remarked, "As per a study by JAMA network, only 1 in 3 people received a diagnosis, less than 1 in 5 were treated, and only 1 in 12 had blood pressure control. For patients already diagnosed with hypertension, persistent high readings after treatment indicate the need for thorough investigation."
Numerous people mistake resistant hypertension for stress or improper medication doses. But this is a condition where blood pressure remains high despite taking three or more medications, including a diuretic. It's under-recognised and frequently misattributed to inadequate treatment. But it is a sign of deeper, underlying issues. Resistant hypertension affects roughly 10% of those with high blood pressure and warrants specialized care.
A significant number of people with hypertension 50 to 80% don't take their medications as prescribed, whether due to cost, forgetfulness, unwillingness, confusion, or side effects. This can create be misinterpretation of resistant hypertension. Before escalating treatment, it's important to verify that patients are adhering to their prescriptions and attending proper follow-ups with their doctors.
While medication non-adherence is a factor, resistant hypertension can also be caused by internal body mechanisms. Issues like an overactive sympathetic nervous system, kidney diseases, hormonal imbalances, and sleep apnea can make it difficult to control blood sugar. Lifestyle choices like consuming excessive alcohol, improper nutrition, or a lack of physical activity can further aggravate the issue.
India is facing a hypertension crisis, while over 220 million adults are suffering from high blood pressure, only 12% are managing it effectively. In this scenario, resistant hypertension is often ignored. Comprehensive screenings and secondary cause identification are needed, particularly in rural regions where treatment options are limited.
For patients who don't respond to medication and who have resistant hypertension, emerging treatments such as Renal Denervation (RDN) can bring new hope. This technique targets overactive nerves near the kidneys to bring BP under control. It is already showing promising outcomes in specialised centres in India.
It's time to act. Don't just measure, take control! Resistant hypertension is more common than we realize in India, and if ignored, it can lead to serious long-term consequences.
Disclaimer: Issued in Public Interest. All information contained herein is for general awareness purposes only and not intended to act as medical advice. Patients should consult with their physicians in relation to their condition.
