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Renal Denervation Study

Robert Copeland shares his story of joining the Renal Denervation Study:

"I first discovered that I have high blood pressure about 30 years ago when I went into hospital for a minor operation. Since then I have found it necessary to increase the strength and variety of medications to keep my blood pressure under reasonable control. The future was starting to look a little uncertain as I have tried most of the treatments available and there were few options left.

Late in 2011 I reached a point where my medication was, on occasions, causing me to feel much worse, so my GP referred me to the Cardiology Clinic at the Bristol Heart Institute. Soon after this I was told this new study had started in Bristol and I was offered the chance to undergo this pioneering technique which could reduce my blood pressure to a more manageable level. Renal denervation case study

I had no hesitation in participating - despite being well informed of the risks - for a number of reasons. Firstly I had lost my father as a consequence of lifelong hypertension, I felt I might be heading in the same direction and my son, who is now in his early thirties, was also starting to develop high blood pressure. Like most people nearing retirement, I have a very long list of things to do and I calculate it will take me to at least 90 years old to complete that list as it stands today!

It took about a month to complete all the tests required by the NHS to approve my treatment. Then finally, the big day came. I stayed in hospital overnight and then carried on my life as normal. There were no after effects. Little by little and, in my case, over a month after the procedure my blood pressure started to reduce and now after seven weeks my average daily reading has reduced from 181/96 to 172/88 and looks like it will continue on the downward trend for some time.

It was definitely worth it. I hope that by helping with this project many thousands of people will eventually have their opportunity to benefit from the pioneering work being carried out in Bristol and other centres across the country."