Improved cardiac structure and function with chronic treatment using an implantable device in resistant hypertension results from European and United States trials of the rheos system.

摘要

To the Editor: Hypertension (HTN) is associated with adverse prognosis, accompanied by changes in left ventricular (LV) size, structure, and function (1,2). Echocardiographic LV measures, including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), are correlated with outcome among patients with systemic HTN (3), Despite known adverse effects of HTN (4) and several drugs for its treatment, many patients have persistent HTN despite aggressive medical therapy. The Rheos system uses baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) to chronically activate the baroreflex at the carotid sinus with electrical impulses from a pulse generator. Preliminary results showed that BAT significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant HTN (5). This investigation aimed to assess the impact of BAT on echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function in patients with drug-resistant HTN.