NAIROBI, Kenya, July 9 – The Nairobi West Hospital (NWH) has successfully conducted the first renal artery denervation procedure for resistant hypertension in Kenya and East Africa.
According to Patil VijaySinh, an interventional cardiologist at the NWH who led the team in performing the pioneering procedure, the process involves the use of radiofrequency ablation to disrupt the sympathetic nerves surrounding the kidney arteries, which play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure.
“This is the first time in Kenya and East Africa we are doing this procedure which marks a significant step forward in the region’s battle against hypertension, a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide,” said Patil.
He noted that the procedure is safe, with only 0.4 percent of patients experiencing side effects and routine complications like bleeding, which are easily managed.
“The sympathetic nerves around the kidneys contribute to the maintenance of high blood pressure in resistant hypertension. By targeting these nerves, the procedure aimed to reduce blood pressure effectively and sustainably,” stated Vijay Sinh, noting that the method is supported by guidelines from both the European and American Heart Association’s for treating resistant hypertension.
Renal denervation involves percutaneous ablation of the sympathetic renal nerves using radiofrequency ablation.
This technique interrupts communication between the kidneys and the central nervous system, reducing blood pressure by decreasing sympathetic outflow to the heart and blood vessels, as well as reducing renin secretion and sodium absorption.
The first patient to undergo the procedure in the hospital’s Cath Lab under sedation was Rosalia, a 54-year-old teacher from Machakos County. Her journey with hypertension began in 2013, characterized by symptoms including dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
Despite taking medication, her condition persisted and eventually became resistant to treatment, with her symptoms only worsening over the years.
“I am so happy that my blood pressure is finally under control. I can now live a normal life without the constant worry of complications,” Rosalia stated after undergoing the procedure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the prevalence of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure associated with older age, is high in Kenya, affecting nearly one in every four adults and also contributing to an estimated 8.5 million deaths in 2015 alone.
Despite the availability of various antihypertensive medications, only 18–23 percent of patients achieve optimal blood pressure control.
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to severe complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
