A hospital trust is calling on people who suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure to sign up for a new ultrasound-based innovative treatment. 

Barts Health NHS Trust, which runs Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, has teamed up with Queen Mary University Hospital to trial the Surround Sound Hypertension Therapy System at St Bartholomew's Hospital. 

The one-off, one-hour therapy known as WAVE IV, is the only non-evasive treatment for resistant hypertension and works by delivering ultrasound energy to renal nerves from outside the body without any cutting, incisions or need for hospital admission.

This then reduces the kidney’s production of hormones and prevents an increase in blood pressure, while also protecting the heart, kidneys and blood vessels from further damage.

Three-quarters of patient’s trialled experienced a reduction in their blood pressure. 

The therapy is being offered to people across east London who are aged between 18 and 90, have a high blood pressure reading of 160mmhg or greater, and are currently taking three of more medications for blood pressure. 

Dr Melvin Lobo, director of Barts blood pressure clinic and leading the study at Queen Mary University, said: "High blood pressure remains a serious public health issue and new treatments are urgently needed. 

"Although drug treatment works well for most patients, a number of patients do not respond well and need alternative approaches.

"The procedure we’re trialling is a hugely exciting and entirely unique concept. 

"Right now, we are limiting our studies to those with severe high blood pressure who stand to benefit most by reducing their risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney failure."

Anyone wishing to find out can contact Anne Zak at the William Harvey Heart Centre Clinical Trials Unit on 0207 882 5657. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Surround Sound Hypertension Therapy System