FORT WALTON BEACH — HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital has become the first hospital in the Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa county areas to perform a renal denervation procedure, introducing a new treatment option for patients with difficult-to-control high blood pressure.
The milestone procedure was performed on July 15 by Dr. John B. Dudley, an interventional cardiologist who is currently the only physician in the tri-county area offering the innovative treatment.
Renal denervation (RDN) is a minimally invasive procedure designed for patients whose high blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking medication and making lifestyle changes. The treatment works by targeting overactive nerves surrounding the renal arteries, helping lower blood pressure and reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
According to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, an estimated 130,000 adults across Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties are living with high blood pressure, with nearly one in three adults affected.
Dr. Dudley said the procedure offers another option for patients who have struggled to bring their blood pressure under control.
“High blood pressure is often called the ‘silent killer’ because patients may feel perfectly fine while serious damage is occurring to their heart, brain, and kidneys,” Dudley said. “Renal denervation gives us another tool to help patients whose blood pressure has remained difficult to control despite doing all the right things. I’m proud to bring this advanced treatment to the area so patients can receive cutting-edge cardiovascular care close to home.”
Hospital officials say the procedure expands access to advanced cardiovascular care for residents who previously may have needed to travel outside the area for treatment.
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is a 331-bed hospital and the only Level II Trauma Center serving Okaloosa, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties. The hospital also offers open-heart surgery, stroke care, cancer care, and inpatient rehabilitation services.
