A Breakthrough in Blood Pressure Treatment: Now Available at Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center

For many people, managing high blood pressure means making healthy lifestyle changes and taking medication every day. But what happens when you’re doing all the right things and your numbers are still too high?

Now, there’s a new option. And it’s available close to home.

Renal denervation is now offered at Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center, bringing advanced, next-generation heart care to our community.

What Is Renal Denervation?

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that helps lower blood pressure when lifestyle changes and medications aren’t enough.

It targets overactive nerves along the arteries that lead to the kidneys. These nerves can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, raising blood pressure. During the procedure, a doctor guides a thin catheter through a blood vessel in the groin to the kidney arteries. Then, controlled energy, either ultrasound or gentle heat, is used to calm those nerves

“It’s exciting to bring this level of innovation to our patients here at Northwest Heart Center,” says Dr. Judd Salamat. “We’re not just adding another medication, we’re addressing the nerve signals that are driving high blood pressure.”

The procedure takes about an hour and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients go home the same day.

Who Is It For?

Renal denervation may be an option for patients who:

• Take several blood pressure medications
• Still have high blood pressure despite treatment

Before moving forward, our heart team ensures there are no other causes of high blood pressure and that the kidney arteries are healthy

“It’s not a cure,” Dr. Joshua Roark explains. “Healthy habits and medications still matter. But for the right patient, this can be a powerful additional tool.”

Does It Work?

Studies show renal denervation can lower blood pressure by several points — similar to adding another blood pressure medication. Even small drops in blood pressure can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious complications

Is It Safe?

Renal denervation is generally safe when performed by an experienced team

As with any procedure, there are risks, including bleeding or infection at the catheter site. Rarely, there can be narrowing of the kidney arteries or a slow heart rate. It’s also important to know it doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why thoughtful conversations with your cardiology team are key.

Innovation, Close to Home

Bringing renal denervation to Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center means patients no longer need to travel far for advanced hypertension treatment.

“We’re proud to offer leading-edge technology right here in our community,” says Dr. Judd Salamat. “Our goal is simple: help patients live longer, healthier lives with fewer complications from high blood pressure.”

If you or a loved one are struggling to control blood pressure, talk with your care team at Adventist Health Northwest Heart Center.