Balloon Treatment vs Medication for High Blood Pressure Caused by a Kidney Artery Problem
For people with: Renal Fibromuscular Dysplasia
About this trial
This trial is for people whose high blood pressure is caused by a narrowing in one of the arteries that supplies their kidney. We are comparing a balloon procedure to widen the artery with blood pressure medication alone, to see which approach controls blood pressure better over time.
What would I need to do?
If you join, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will have a balloon procedure to open the narrowed kidney artery. The other group will continue with blood pressure tablets. Both groups will attend clinic visits at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months to have their blood pressure checked.
You will have clinic visits at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. At 6 and 12 months you will also have a 24-hour blood pressure monitor fitted (worn at home) and an ultrasound scan of your kidney arteries. The medication group will have additional short visits at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks to adjust tablets.
Could I take part?
You may be eligible if you have high blood pressure that your doctor believes is caused by a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia, which narrows the artery to your kidney. You will need a scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Age range: 18 to 65 years
What are the risks and benefits?
The balloon procedure may reduce or eliminate the need for blood pressure tablets, but carries small risks of bleeding, bruising and (rarely) damage to the artery. Staying on medication avoids a procedure but means taking tablets long-term with possible side effects. Both approaches will be closely supervised. Your participation will help doctors decide the best first-line treatment for this condition.
Common questions
Interested in taking part?
Contact the research team to find out more about this trial and whether it might be right for you.
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