Qualitative interviews revealed that severe difficult-to-treat hypertension significantly impacts patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being, underscoring the need for comprehensive psychosocial support.
What are the treatment experiences, goals, and awareness of renal denervation among patients with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension?
Patients with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension experience significant impact and stigma, highlighting the need for psychosocial support and patient education.
Abstract Background Over one-third of Australian adults have hypertension, and this rate increases with age. Difficult-to-treat hypertension is high blood pressure that remains above target levels despite proper medicine adherence. This study explored the treatment experiences and goals of patients with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension to gain insights into renal denervation (RDN) as a therapeutic option. Methods Twelve Australian participants with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension were interviewed. Participants were recruited via a specialist recruitment company and specialist referral. Semi-structured interviews lasted about 60 min either online or by phone. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis in NVivo. Results Participants had an average age of 65 years (range: 48–75 years), 58% identified as male and all lived across Australia, primarily in metropolitan areas ( n = 9; 75%). The average time since hypertension diagnosis was 22 years (range: 3–44 years) and nearly all participants had a family history of hypertension. Data analysis identified four themes regarding participants’ experiences of living with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension and awareness of renal denervation therapy: (1) Diagnosis and monitoring of hypertension, (2) The impact of severe difficult-to-treat hypertension on quality of life, (3) The management of severe difficult-to-treat hypertension and (4) Awareness, perceptions and experiences with RDN. Conclusions This study provides an in-depth understanding of the experiences of people living with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension and their treatment goals. It highlights the significant impact and stigma of living with severe difficult-to-treat hypertension, and the need to incorporate psychosocial support and patient education into the clinical management of this chronic condition.
Hill et al. (Fri,) conducted a other in Severe difficult-to-treat hypertension (n=12). Severe difficult-to-treat hypertension was evaluated on Patient experiences, treatment goals, and awareness of renal denervation. Qualitative interviews revealed that severe difficult-to-treat hypertension significantly impacts patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being, underscoring the need for comprehensive psychosocial support.