London, Oct. 25 (SANA) British researchers have tested a small device that delivers mild electrical pulses to nerves in the ear to help lower blood pressure in patients whose condition is not adequately controlled by medication, potentially offering an additional option for managing hypertension.
According to a report published Saturday by ScienceDaily, a research team from Queen Mary University of London, led by Dr. Ajay Gupta, conducted a trial involving 63 patients taking blood pressure-lowering medication. The findings were published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.
Participants used the device for 30 minutes a day during the first two weeks, followed by once-weekly sessions for another 10 weeks. The study assessed its safety and effectiveness in lowering blood pressure compared with a sham device.
The results showed that the device was safe and easy to use at home but did not produce a clear additional reduction in blood pressure across all participants compared with the sham device. However, some patients with more severe hypertension showed encouraging results.
The device works by delivering mild electrical pulses to nerves in the outer ear in an attempt to influence the neural mechanisms involved in blood pressure regulation, without the need for surgery.
The researchers stressed that the findings remain preliminary and that larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the technique’s effectiveness and identify the patients most likely to benefit. They also emphasized that the device is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medication.
The findings could support further research into non-invasive techniques that may help improve blood pressure control, particularly in patients whose condition remains inadequately controlled with medication.
R.H/R.K
