Baroreflex device therapy in the treatment of hypertension

Despite therapy with multiple optimally dosed medications, hypertension remains poorly controlled in a sizeable number of people worldwide. This has spurred interest in exploring other pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options for treatment. The carotid baroreceptors are important in regulating blood pressure in chronic hypertension by centrally mediated sympathoinhibitory effects and other effects. This has led to renewed interest in treating hypertension by electrically stimulating the carotid baroreceptors. Although this concept was first studied several decades ago, modern technology and better understanding of physiology have finally allowed the development of a feasible treatment option. Ongoing trials are finding significant and sustained reductions in blood pressure, a good safety profile, and tolerable side-effects. These promising results indicate that this modality has the potential to become a useful tool in future treatment of hypertension.