Low-frequency and very low-intensity ultrasound decreases blood pressure in subjects with hypertension

摘要

Despite lifestyle interventions and various types of anti-hypertension agents, high blood pressure remains difficult to control in some patients [1 ]. Device-based treatment approaches for resistant hypertension, such as catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation by radiofrequency ablation and baroreceptor activation therapy, have shown promising results in clinical trials [1-5]. These device-based approaches, however, are invasive and thus their therapeutic applications are limited in primary care. Noninvasive device-based approaches are therefore desirable for the treatment of hypertension.Ultrasound irradiation is applied for a variety of therapies. The therapeutic effects of ultrasound depend on both frequency and intensity. High-frequency (>1 MHz) and high-intensity pulsed ultrasounds have analgesic effects when applied to focal sites in the human body.