We performed SBG block in 22 hypertensive patients (mean age 45 ± 12 years, 15 men). All patients have been subjected to 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring a week prior the procedure as well as in a period of 21–30 days after the SBG block in order to estimate differences in 24 h average systolic (24 h SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (24 h DBP), daytime, nighttime, pre-awake and early morning SBP and DBP as well as BP load.
<h4 id="absSec_3">Resultsh4>We found that 24 h SBP (p = 0.001) and 24 h DBP (p < 0.001), daytime SBP and DBP (p < 0.001) as well as daytime SBP and DBP load (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) were decreased in total population at 21–30 days after SPG block. In 11/22 responders (24 h SBP decrease ≥ 5 mm Hg), SBP and DBP were reduced during overall 24 h and daytime (p < 0.001) and nighttime periods (p = 0.01 and p = 0.06, respectively) while pre-awake SBP (p = 0.09) along with daytime SBP and DBP load (p = 0.07 and p = 0.06, respectively) were also almost decreased.
<h4 id="absSec_4">Conclusionsh4>SBG block might be a promising, non-invasive, safe, painless and easy to perform therapeutic option of BP decrease. As with renal denervation, SBG should be effective in those hypertensive patients with an activated SNS, so a period of patient selection should precede the application of this procedure.