The Harborne Hospital becomes first private hospital in Birmingham to offer Renal Denervation treatment for high blood pressure

• The Harborne Hospital launches renal denervation, expanding complex cardiac treatment options in the West Midlands
• The minimally invasive procedure offers an alternative option for patients with resistant high blood pressure - which affects approx. 800,000 people in the West Midlands.
• The launch strengthens HCA UK’s regional complex cardiac services and builds on its leadership in cardiovascular care

HCA Healthcare UK’s The Harborne Hospital, has become the first private hospital provider in Birmingham to offer renal denervation (RDN) for people with resistant hypertension (high blood pressure).

In the West Midlands, approximately 800,000 are living with undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure. If left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

High blood pressure affects millions and is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Treatment usually involves taking daily medication, but keeping up with multiple pills can be challenging. For some people, taking medication as prescribed still isn’t enough to bring their blood pressure under control. This is called resistant hypertension. It occurs when blood pressure remains high despite taking several different medications, often at the maximum recommended doses. Resistant hypertension increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Doctors may recommend additional treatments or lifestyle changes, but managing the condition can still be difficult for many patients.

Renal denervation (RDN) offers an alternative treatment. The minimally invasive procedure uses a small catheter to reduce overactive nerve signals in the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure. By calming these signals, RDN can help lower blood pressure and reduce long-term risks without relying on daily medication. Studies show that up to half of patients stop taking at least one of their prescribed medicines within a year, highlighting the potential value of alternative approaches like RDN.

The introduction of RDN at The Harborne Hospital marks the first time this innovative treatment has been available at the site, expanding access for patients across Birmingham and the wider Midlands amid growing demand for cardiology services. The treatment is also set to roll out across HCA hospitals in London in the coming weeks.

Dr Farhan Shahid, Consultant Cardiologist at The Harborne Hospital commented:

"Renal denervation is an important advancement in the treatment of high blood pressure, providing a safe and effective option for qualifying patients whose blood pressure cannot be adequately controlled with medication. Many people living with high blood pressure either experience side effects from medication or find that traditional treatments do not fully manage their condition. By introducing this procedure at The Harborne, we can offer patients an alternative, evidence-based approach that can help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events without the need for daily medication.”

John Reay, CEO at HCA Healthcare UK, said:

“With demand for cardiology services continuing to rise across the Midlands, introducing renal denervation at The Harborne Hospital significantly enhances the depth and breadth of our cardiovascular care. In the West Midlands alone, around 800,000 people are living with undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure – a stark reminder of the scale of the challenge and the importance of expanding access to innovative treatment options.

This launch builds on our longstanding leadership in cardiovascular care and reinforces our commitment to advancing innovation and improving patient outcomes. By offering renal denervation, we are giving more patients greater choice in how they manage high blood pressure and supporting them in reducing the long term risks associated with the condition.”

Find out more about renal denervation or call us to book an appointment with a cardiologist on 020 7616 4988.