Blast of soundwaves that means you won’t need your blood pressure pills

HIGH blood pressure affects more than half of all Irish adults over the age of 45 and raises the risk of stroke. Ken Peters, 64, a retired accountant, underwent a new procedure to treat it, as he tells SOPHIE GOODCHILD.

MY BLOOD pressure problem was first picked up four years ago when I was taking part in a trial for a new allergy drug to earn some extra money. As part of the process, they took my blood pressure and found that it was slightly higher than normal.

Although it came as a surprise, it wasn’t causing any problems. I have always been fit — playing football, cricket, hockey and cycling — and wasn’t overweight (I’m 12 st 6 lb and 5 ft 10 in), so I didn’t worry.

Then, in early 2016, I signed up for another trial and, this time, my blood pressure reading had gone through the roof — normal is 140/90, whereas mine was 160/100.

They said this was dangerously high and I wasn’t accepted on the trial. They also contacted my GP to arrange an appointment.

My doctor explained that my blood pressure needed to be reduced, as pressure can damage the artery walls, which can cause blockages and lead to a stroke.

This struck a chord because my father, John, had a stroke in his late 50s. He died in his 60s from complications as a result of it.

I was prescribed amlodipine tablets — it was disappointing, as I still felt fine and hated the idea of taking regular medication.

Then, in early 2017, I read about a trial for a new treatment where they use ultrasound to burn away faulty nerves around the kidney that help control blood pressure. I called the researchers and went for a screening in March.

I wouldn’t know whether I had the active treatment or sham, but there was a chance I’d come off the medication if it went well, so I agreed to take part.

I had the 40-minute procedure in September 2017 under local anaesthetic, but remember very little. Afterwards, I felt weak, but not in pain, and had a plaster on the right side of my groin, where the incision was. My partner Angela took me home that day.

The next day, I checked my blood pressure at home — it had gone down from 150/110 before the procedure to 130/90. I was thrilled. I guessed I must have had the ultrasound treatment because of the dramatic drop and this was later confirmed.

Since the procedure, my blood pressure has been stable and is nearly normal. It was a little odd not having any symptoms, yet being told I was at high risk of a stroke due to my blood pressure.

I’m no longer at risk and plan to discuss coming off the pills.