Cincinnati (March 3, 2017) – The Christ Hospital is the only healthcare system in the region, and just one of eight centers in the country, currently conducting a study through The Edyth and Carl Lindner Center for Research and Education to evaluate a novel device designed to help lower high blood pressure. Joel Reginelli, M.D., a cardiologist at The Christ Hospital, was the first in the region to implant the device, transforming care for patients with resistant hypertension.
Hypertension continues to grow as a global epidemic. Despite advances in medical therapy, a growing number of patients suffer from resistant hypertension, or high blood pressure despite multiple medications. This population has very few treatment options available to improve their blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure, over time, is associated with stroke, heart attack and kidney and vascular disease.
The CALM study is evaluating the MobiusHD® device, which is similar to a small stent and is delivered by a catheter into the carotid artery in the neck. The CALM study is designed for patients with resistant high blood pressure. CALM is an abbreviation for “Controlling and Lowering Blood Pressure with the MobiusHD,” a prospective multicenter safety study. The minimally invasive procedure required to implant this device presents a new option for patients suffering from resistant hypertension, and does not involve a surgical incision.
“Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure, so controlling it is vitally important,” said Dr. Reginelli. “The Christ Hospital is excited to be on the ground floor in evaluating a novel device with the potential to be a life-changing treatment option for patients with medically resistant hypertension.”
In 2014, a multidisciplinary team at The Christ Hospital launched the first comprehensive hypertension program in the region that offers a new approach in treating resistant hypertension. The Resistant Hypertension Clinic evaluates patients for underlying conditions which may be contributing to high blood pressure and utilizes new therapies and lifestyle modifications to achieve exceptional outcomes. The Resistant Hypertension Clinic at The Christ Hospital was just the eighth center in the country certified by the American Society of Hypertension.
The Resistant Hypertension Clinic combines the skills of heart specialists, kidney specialists, dietitians, exercise physiologists and nurse practitioners to bring the most difficult cases of hypertension under control.
“Hypertension is often treated as a single entity, but it is frequently accompanied by many co-existing problems. We look at the big picture, including medication dosages, lifestyle and dietary issues, and other medical conditions that may contribute to uncontrolled hypertension, to determine the most effective treatment path for each patient,” said John Szawaluk, MD, a hypertension specialist with The Christ Hospital Physicians - Ohio Heart & Vascular and director of the Resistant Hypertension Clinic.
The program is also involved in other research to treat resistant hypertension.
For more information on the Resistant Hypertension Clinic at The Christ Hospital or to schedule an appointment, call 1-866-242-5358.
About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn with six ambulatory centers, more than 1200 physicians and 5600 employees, with neighborhood offices conveniently located throughout the region. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences. Led by the region’s Most Preferred Hospital (National Research Corporation) for 21 consecutive years, the network is dedicated to transforming care by delivering integrated, individualized healthcare and wellness services through its comprehensive physician network and advanced specialty service. The Christ Hospital is among only 6% of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and among the top 5% of hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction. For more than 125 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to all those it serves.