A SIMPLE skin patch to treat high blood pressure could dramatically slash deaths from heart attacks and strokes.
The revolutionary device, which is changed every day, could improve control of the condition and save millions of lives.
In
a world first, it gradually allows a drug to seep through the skin and
into the bloodstream once patients stick it on to their arm, chest or
back.
It provides a steady flow of bisoprolol,
which is a type of beta-blocker – unlike pills which can cause blood
pressure levels to peak and trough dangerously. Experts believe
that
having a constant and steady supply of the drug could reduce the
incidence of heart attacks and strokes.
The breakthrough patch has been cleared for use in Japan and could be available in the UK within the next couple of years.
The
British Heart Foundation’s senior cardiac nurse, Maureen Talbot, said:
“This is an important drug already used to treat high blood pressure.
It’s good to know there may be more than one option when it comes to
administering it. However, this patch is not available here in the UK
and for now our doctors will continue to prescribe this medicine as a
pill to swallow.”
It is not clear yet how much
the patches will cost but if they get the go-ahead they could be
prescribed by GPs to patients who fail to respond to existing drugs.
Each
patch contains either a four or eight milligram dose. Beta-blockers
have been used for nearly 50 years to treat high blood pressure, angina,
heart failure, anxiety and even migraine. Some cost as little as 20p a
day and work by preventing stress hormones, such as adrenaline, from
stimulating cells in heart tissue and increasing blood pressure.
Clinical
trials have shown the new patches keep blood pressure readings stable
throughout a 24-hour period. This is important because blood pressure
can go up and down at different times of the day and night.
In
most people it drops while they are asleep but rises steadily
throughout the day, peaking in late afternoon. In those with healthy
readings, this normal cycle poses no threat.
But in patients with high blood pressure it is vital that it is kept as stable as possible.
The number of reported side effects from the patch was about the same as with tablets.
High blood pressure affects one in five adults and is thought to trigger half of all heart attacks and strokes.
In
some patients it’s possible to get readings down by eating less salt
and taking more exercise. But most of the 16 million sufferers need
pills which they must take every day for the rest of their lives.
However,
it is estimated that more than half of those on daily drugs still have
poorly controlled blood pressure, which means they have readings in the
danger zone above 140/90.
Some stop taking their medicine because high blood pressure has no symptoms and they do not feel ill.
High blood pressure is thought to trigger half of all heart attacks and strokes(PIC POSED BY MODELS)
The breakthrough patch has been cleared for use in Japan
Others may need
to try several different combinations of drugs to get the best results.
Some medications carry side effects such as tiredness, leg cramps,
insomnia, dizziness and constipation.
More than half of all patients on drugs do not respond properly or have become resistant.
The
Japanese firm Nitto Denko, which has developed the patch, says that not
only will it improve blood pressure control but will also help patients
who have trouble swallowing pills.
Up to one in
10 elderly people is thought to suffer with dysphagia – problems
swallowing due to illness or injury. Many also struggle to remember if
they have taken their tablets.
Skin patches have
been used for years to treat smokers, women who need hormone
replacement and for pain control. Now research is under way on new ones
to treat peanut allergies, diabetes, prostate cancer and even
Alzheimer’s.
[express]
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