Teaming up to keep life in play

Football is about momentum. Pushing forward, locking in, and making the right plays. Together, Medtronic and the Minnesota Vikings are bringing that same spirit to fans, encouraging them to take an active role in their health and make blood pressure management part of their game plan.


At Medtronic, our mission is to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, through innovative healthcare technologies. Our therapies impact the lives of two people every second.

Know your target numbers
I stay active by walking, running, and checking my blood pressure. I challenge all of you to do more for your health too!”

— John Randle, Minnesota Vikings Legend

Game day check

How is your blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, you’re not alone. Did you know that even elite football players can have high blood pressure?1 Being active, strong, or passionate about sports does not make someone immune. And high blood pressure can have serious consequences for your health.

U.S. guidelines from the American Heart Association define high blood pressure as any value greater than 130/80 mmHg.2

Approximately 50% of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and only 25% have it under control.3

NFL players are more likely to have high blood pressure than men of the same age in the general U.S. population.4

90% of former NFL players have high blood pressure, but less than 40% reported having a history of it.5

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood pushing against your arteries remains too high over time.6 It raises the risk of2,7:

Heart attack

Stroke

Heart failure

Kidney failure

Watch this video to learn more.

If you have high blood pressure, or think you may have it, talk with your doctor. To get the conversation going, you can download this discussion guide to fill out and bring in to your next appointment.

Download discussion guide (open in new window)

Think beyond typical treatments with the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure.

You eat right, take your medications, and exercise. But your blood pressure is still too high. The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is a minimally invasive treatment clinically proven to lower high blood pressure when these typical treatments aren’t enough.†,8,9

The effects of the Symplicity™ procedure keep working 24 hours a day — like a pill you never have to remember to take.‡,8–10
 

Watch this video to see how the Symplicity™ procedure works.

† Not every person will experience the same results. Talk your doctor to see if the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is right for you. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you.

‡ The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is intended to work alongside your current blood pressure medications. Side effects may include headache, back pain, bruising, and hematoma.

Answer a few questions

See if the Symplicity™ procedure may be right for you.

Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The first, or “top” number, is your systolic blood pressure. For example, if your BP is 120/90, 120 is the systolic blood pressure reading.

Next

Answering these questions does not provide a medical diagnosis. The Symplicity™ procedure is intended to work alongside your current medications. Not every person will experience the same results. Talk with your doctor to see if the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure is right for you. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks with you. Adverse events include, but are not limited to, bruising and pain.

Quick facts

How does it work?

The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure works to calm excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to your high blood pressure.11

Is this right for me?

Adults 18 and older may qualify for this minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor can help you understand other important considerations.

Is it safe?

The Symplicity™ procedure is a proven, safe, and effective treatment for high blood pressure.8,9 It has no impact on kidney function§,12 and has been performed on more than 40,000 patients worldwide.13

§ Clinical trial results on participants three years after receiving this procedure showed no negative effects on their kidney function.

Side effects may include headache, back pain, and access site issues like bruising or hematoma. In very rare cases, blood vessel injury or narrowing may occur. Blood pressure is monitored after the procedure and medications may need to be adjusted by your healthcare team over time.

Real patient stories

This procedure brought me my life back.”

— Lisa, patient with high blood pressure who received the Symplicity™ procedure

Since getting this procedure, I feel like a free spirit again.”

— Danny, patient with high blood pressure who received the Symplicity™ procedure

Not every person will experience the same results. The Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure does have known risks. These risks should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Side effects may include headache, back pain, and access site issues like bruising or hematoma. In very rare cases, blood vessel injury or narrowing may occur. Blood pressure is monitored after the procedure and medications may need to be adjusted by your healthcare team over time.

Go beyond typical treatments.

Every season is built one play at a time. The same can be true for your blood pressure journey. Ask your doctor if the Symplicity™ procedure is right for you.

Learn more about this innovative procedure that works alongside diet, exercise, and medications.8,9 See how it works, what to expect, and who it can help.

Learn more