Sunday, December 13, 2009

Implant Device Offers Drug-free Lower Blood Pressure

By Christian Goodman

An implant the size of a cell phone can lower blood pressure without the use of drugs. The implant is placed in the chest and works kind of like a pacemaker. It sends electrical signals to the brain through the carotid arteries in the neck whenever the blood pressure is elevated. The brain in turn signals the body to lower blood pressure.

This device was surgically implanted in the chest of Annette Lawrence. In an interview she said "Before I couldn't even get out of bed. I couldn't really do anything." From 2005 the implants are available in the market.

Lawrence was only 37 when she had the device implanted. Her vascular surgeon, Dr. Karl Illig of the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, said, "She constantly had blood pressure up in the 200s The device is basically like a pacemaker. That's the best way to look at it."

Device sends electrical impulses to the brain through the carotid artery, Dr. Illig explained, "that electrical signal is then sent up the nerves into the brain telling the brain, 'Ah ha! Your blood pressure is too high.'"

At this point, the brain signals the body to decrease heart rate, release fluid from the kidneys, and open blood vessels to naturally lower blood pressure.

Blood Pressure gets too high, but it is not sensed by the brain so it's just a kick start for the brain to order the heart said Dr. Illiig.

She said, "Since I had this procedure done, boy I tell you, I've got so much energy. I'm ready to keep up with [my grandson]." Lawrence's blood pressure is 175/104 when the device is turned off. Whne the device is turned on the blood pressure immediately drops to normal 143/86.

The implant is surgically inserted under the skin near the collarbone. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes two to three hours. Two wires run from the cell-phone-sized device to the left and right carotid arteries in the neck. This device is only for patients who are unable to tolerate medication - those who have tried and failed all medical approaches.

The best way to avoid surgery and medication is by following a healthy lifestyle. Following a perfect diet on nutrition can prevent high blood pressure. Losing weight, exercising regularly, being stress free, eating good diet with vegetables and fruits, not using excess alcohol are the best ways to naturally lower high blood pressure or hypertension.

Regular physical activity is perhaps the best way to lower blood pressure naturally. Regular exercise not only reduces stress levels but also exercises the vascular system (blood vessels) to reduce hardening of the arteries. Hardened arteries and blocked arteries from high-fat diets contribute to high blood pressure.

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