FAQ
Blood pressure is defined by two numbers, systolic and diastolic:
- Systolic = blood pressure in the arteries as your heart beats (upper number).
- Diastolic = blood pressure in the arteries between the beats (lower number).
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg over 80 mm Hg (120/80). High blood pressure, or hypertension, is 140 mm Hg over 90 mm Hg and anything above that (140/90).
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a measure of the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as it flows through your body. Everyone experiences daily changes in blood pressure, but these changes are usually temporary and have no lasting impact on our health. In fact, it is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day with changes in activity or emotional states.
For people with hypertension, however, the blood pressure stays high. Consistently high blood pressure forces the heart to work beyond its capacity and can be life-threatening. High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, coronary heart disease, and other health problems.
How is hypertension typically treated?
Treatment plans generally involve medication along with lifestyle adjustments such as following a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking.
What is the investigational device and procedure used in this trial?
The purpose of the trial is to provide researchers information about the safety and effectiveness of an investigational device from Medtronic to help reduce blood pressure in patients whose blood pressure is not controlled even with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
The 40–60-minute procedure delivers energy to the nerves in the kidneys that help regulate blood pressure. Regulating the nerves may help the kidneys better manage blood pressure.
What is the SPYRAL HTN clinical trial about?
The SPYRAL HTN clinical trial is evaluating an investigational procedure to learn whether it is a safe and effective treatment option to lower blood pressure for certain patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
How do I know if I’m eligible to participate?
The first step is to meet with a local participating trial site doctor near you. He or she will walk you through the required steps to determine whether you qualify for the trial. Go here to find a trial site doctor near you.
How much does the trial cost?
Medtronic will cover costs associated with the investigational device and procedure, follow-up visits, and testing. We advise you to discuss any other costs with your trial site doctor.
