Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Grassroots advocacy is often associated with large-scale campaigns – mass emails, petitions, and sweeping calls to action. But in practice, the most effective efforts are far more focused, grounded in real conversations, preparation, and trust.

That perspective was shared by Mary Kay’s Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs, at the Public Affairs Council’s 2026 Advocacy Conference on March 17-19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It reflects the company’s broader grassroots approach, shaped by Mary Kay’s Public Affairs team, including Michelle Erbeyi, Public Affairs Manager.

At Mary Kay, grassroots are informed by a network of independent beauty consultants whose firsthand experiences bring a human dimension to policy discussions. The approach prioritizes authenticity, preparation, and long-term relationships with policymakers—reflecting both the company’s culture and its community of entrepreneurs, leaders, and storytellers.

Rather than measuring success by how many people participate, Mary Kay focuses on ensuring the right voices are in the room and prepared to share meaningful experiences with lawmakers. The goal isn’t simply activity – it is trust.

Below are insights from Anne and Michelle on Mary Kay’s approach – a series of real-life learnings and true inspiration for public affairs professionals.

---

Q: Mary Kay has a unique business model. How does that shape your approach to advocacy?

Anne:

• To understand our advocacy, it helps to understand our company. Mary Kay was founded in Texas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with a mission to enrich women’s lives. That mission remains unchanged today. Our products are sold exclusively by our independent beauty consultants – entrepreneurs who build their own businesses and connect with customers in their communities.
• These consultants are not employees. They are independent small business owners who define success on their own terms while being supported by Mary Kay corporate and the broader Mary Kay community.
• Public policy often intersects with how independent entrepreneurs operate, making engagement important for ensuring their perspectives are understood. When our consultants speak with policymakers, they share firsthand experiences in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and economic opportunity.
• Authentic stories often add a powerful human dimension to policy discussions.

Q: Culture plays a key role in your advocacy strategy. How does it influence your grassroots work?

Michelle:

• Mary Kay’s culture has been consistent since our founding, and it truly shapes how we engage in public policy discussions.
• Three values are especially important:
  1. Authenticity: Our consultants build genuine relationships in their communities. When they share their stories with lawmakers, those experiences are real and personal. That level of authenticity is powerful.
  2. Respectful Engagement: Mary Kay has always emphasized the Golden Rule – treating others the way you’d want to be treated. That philosophy carries into our policy conversations. Our advocates approach discussions with civility and a focus on solutions.
  3. Service mindset, which we call the “Go-Give spirit.” Our consultants show up wanting to contribute, not confront. They are deeply invested in issues affecting women, families, and small businesses.
• These cultural values create the foundation for advocacy that is thoughtful, respectful, and credible.

Q: Is more participation always better in grassroots advocacy?

Anne:

• We focus on ensuring participants feel prepared and confident to engage in an advocacy setting. When you have a smaller group of advocates, you can invest more time in preparation and alignment. That preparation shows immediately when they sit down with policymakers.
• And in advocacy, credibility matters. When policymakers consistently encounter thoughtful, well-prepared advocates, trust builds over time.

Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of grassroots engagement?

Michelle:

• Quantitative metrics are important, but they rarely tell the full story.
• What really matters is the quality of the interaction. Were advocates prepared? Did the conversation have substance? Did it lead to follow-up dialogue?
• We also pay close attention to tone. Are our advocates reflecting our values? Are discussions respectful and solutions-oriented?
• Those qualitative insights often tell us far more than raw numbers. In our experience, professionalism and authenticity consistently outperform volume.
• In many cases, the quality of a single conversation can have more lasting impact than a high volume of interactions.

Q: How do you communicate the value of grassroots advocacy to executives and corporate leadership?

Anne:

• Leadership teams don’t need more data – they need better signals.
• When we report on advocacy efforts, we focus on outcomes rather than activity. We ask: Did this engagement move an issue forward? Did it deepen a relationship? Did it help policymakers better understand our business model?
• We also connect advocacy directly to business priorities. That might mean protecting flexibility for independent entrepreneurs, strengthening Mary Kay’s reputation, or reducing long-term regulatory risk.
• And whenever possible, we involve leaders from other parts of the company. When colleagues from sales, marketing, or operations participate in advocacy engagements, the value becomes very tangible.
• It becomes more than a report – it’s an experience.

Q: Can you share examples of how this strategy works in real life?

Michelle:

• One example was our Mary Kay Day on the Hill, which marked our company’s 60th anniversary. Rather than inviting a large group, we prioritized participants who were prepared to share their experiences clearly and effectively. The result was a series of meaningful conversations with policymakers because the advocates were prepared and authentic.
• We also host smaller events that help policymakers understand our business model. For example, we’ve organized skincare and entrepreneurship sessions where legislators meet local consultants and hear firsthand how they run their businesses. Those gatherings are intentionally small, but they often lead to deeper conversations and long-term relationships.
• Another important aspect of our work is connecting policymakers with their constituents. We help policymakers understand the presence of entrepreneurs in their communities and the broader economic impact they represent. And sometimes the most effective advocacy happens through site visits, where policymakers visit Mary Kay facilities and meet the employees and entrepreneurs connected to our business. Each of these efforts reflects the same principle: meaningful engagement matters more than volume.

Q: What advice would you offer to other public affairs professionals building grassroots programs?

Anne:

• Start with purpose. If you’re clear about your objectives and grounded in your organization’s values, your advocacy efforts will naturally become more focused and effective.
• Invest in preparation. Advocates who feel confident and informed create stronger interactions with policymakers.
• And remember that advocacy is about relationships, not transactions. Trust develops over time through consistent, respectful engagement.
• When organizations focus on authenticity and preparation, the impact is far greater than any mass campaign.

The Bigger Lesson

While advocacy approaches vary across organizations, our experience has shown that thoughtful, well-prepared engagement consistently leads to more meaningful outcomes. For Mary Kay, grassroots advocacy isn’t simply a public affairs strategy; it’s an extension of Mary Kay’s mission and culture. By empowering women entrepreneurs to share their stories, focusing on thoughtful engagement, and prioritizing long-term relationships with policymakers, Mary Kay has built an advocacy model rooted in authenticity.

And in today’s policy environment, that authenticity may be the most powerful tool advocates have.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• Direct selling contributes an estimated annual $79.2 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting household spending, supply chains, and government revenue.^[1]
• More than 12.2 million independent contractors participate in direct selling in the U.S., earning supplemental income and/or building their own businesses (representing every U.S. state).^[2]
• 34.7 billion: retail sales generated directly through direct selling activities.^[3]
• Nationally, $1.00 in direct selling retail sales drives $2.34 of economic activity.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

 

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
 

---

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[2] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[4] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

Originally published on newsroom.marykay.com

Grassroots advocacy is often associated with large-scale campaigns – mass emails, petitions, and sweeping calls to action. But in practice, the most effective efforts are far more focused, grounded in real conversations, preparation, and trust.

That perspective was shared by Mary Kay’s Anne Crews, Vice President of Public Affairs, at the Public Affairs Council’s 2026 Advocacy Conference on March 17-19, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona. It reflects the company’s broader grassroots approach, shaped by Mary Kay’s Public Affairs team, including Michelle Erbeyi, Public Affairs Manager.

At Mary Kay, grassroots are informed by a network of independent beauty consultants whose firsthand experiences bring a human dimension to policy discussions. The approach prioritizes authenticity, preparation, and long-term relationships with policymakers—reflecting both the company’s culture and its community of entrepreneurs, leaders, and storytellers.

Rather than measuring success by how many people participate, Mary Kay focuses on ensuring the right voices are in the room and prepared to share meaningful experiences with lawmakers. The goal isn’t simply activity – it is trust.

Below are insights from Anne and Michelle on Mary Kay’s approach – a series of real-life learnings and true inspiration for public affairs professionals.

---

Q: Mary Kay has a unique business model. How does that shape your approach to advocacy?

Anne:

• To understand our advocacy, it helps to understand our company. Mary Kay was founded in Texas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash with a mission to enrich women’s lives. That mission remains unchanged today. Our products are sold exclusively by our independent beauty consultants – entrepreneurs who build their own businesses and connect with customers in their communities.
• These consultants are not employees. They are independent small business owners who define success on their own terms while being supported by Mary Kay corporate and the broader Mary Kay community.
• Public policy often intersects with how independent entrepreneurs operate, making engagement important for ensuring their perspectives are understood. When our consultants speak with policymakers, they share firsthand experiences in entrepreneurship, small business ownership, and economic opportunity.
• Authentic stories often add a powerful human dimension to policy discussions.

Q: Culture plays a key role in your advocacy strategy. How does it influence your grassroots work?

Michelle:

• Mary Kay’s culture has been consistent since our founding, and it truly shapes how we engage in public policy discussions.
• Three values are especially important:
  1. Authenticity: Our consultants build genuine relationships in their communities. When they share their stories with lawmakers, those experiences are real and personal. That level of authenticity is powerful.
  2. Respectful Engagement: Mary Kay has always emphasized the Golden Rule – treating others the way you’d want to be treated. That philosophy carries into our policy conversations. Our advocates approach discussions with civility and a focus on solutions.
  3. Service mindset, which we call the “Go-Give spirit.” Our consultants show up wanting to contribute, not confront. They are deeply invested in issues affecting women, families, and small businesses.
• These cultural values create the foundation for advocacy that is thoughtful, respectful, and credible.

Q: Is more participation always better in grassroots advocacy?

Anne:

• We focus on ensuring participants feel prepared and confident to engage in an advocacy setting. When you have a smaller group of advocates, you can invest more time in preparation and alignment. That preparation shows immediately when they sit down with policymakers.
• And in advocacy, credibility matters. When policymakers consistently encounter thoughtful, well-prepared advocates, trust builds over time.

Q: How do you measure the effectiveness of grassroots engagement?

Michelle:

• Quantitative metrics are important, but they rarely tell the full story.
• What really matters is the quality of the interaction. Were advocates prepared? Did the conversation have substance? Did it lead to follow-up dialogue?
• We also pay close attention to tone. Are our advocates reflecting our values? Are discussions respectful and solutions-oriented?
• Those qualitative insights often tell us far more than raw numbers. In our experience, professionalism and authenticity consistently outperform volume.
• In many cases, the quality of a single conversation can have more lasting impact than a high volume of interactions.

Q: How do you communicate the value of grassroots advocacy to executives and corporate leadership?

Anne:

• Leadership teams don’t need more data – they need better signals.
• When we report on advocacy efforts, we focus on outcomes rather than activity. We ask: Did this engagement move an issue forward? Did it deepen a relationship? Did it help policymakers better understand our business model?
• We also connect advocacy directly to business priorities. That might mean protecting flexibility for independent entrepreneurs, strengthening Mary Kay’s reputation, or reducing long-term regulatory risk.
• And whenever possible, we involve leaders from other parts of the company. When colleagues from sales, marketing, or operations participate in advocacy engagements, the value becomes very tangible.
• It becomes more than a report – it’s an experience.

Q: Can you share examples of how this strategy works in real life?

Michelle:

• One example was our Mary Kay Day on the Hill, which marked our company’s 60th anniversary. Rather than inviting a large group, we prioritized participants who were prepared to share their experiences clearly and effectively. The result was a series of meaningful conversations with policymakers because the advocates were prepared and authentic.
• We also host smaller events that help policymakers understand our business model. For example, we’ve organized skincare and entrepreneurship sessions where legislators meet local consultants and hear firsthand how they run their businesses. Those gatherings are intentionally small, but they often lead to deeper conversations and long-term relationships.
• Another important aspect of our work is connecting policymakers with their constituents. We help policymakers understand the presence of entrepreneurs in their communities and the broader economic impact they represent. And sometimes the most effective advocacy happens through site visits, where policymakers visit Mary Kay facilities and meet the employees and entrepreneurs connected to our business. Each of these efforts reflects the same principle: meaningful engagement matters more than volume.

Q: What advice would you offer to other public affairs professionals building grassroots programs?

Anne:

• Start with purpose. If you’re clear about your objectives and grounded in your organization’s values, your advocacy efforts will naturally become more focused and effective.
• Invest in preparation. Advocates who feel confident and informed create stronger interactions with policymakers.
• And remember that advocacy is about relationships, not transactions. Trust develops over time through consistent, respectful engagement.
• When organizations focus on authenticity and preparation, the impact is far greater than any mass campaign.

The Bigger Lesson

While advocacy approaches vary across organizations, our experience has shown that thoughtful, well-prepared engagement consistently leads to more meaningful outcomes. For Mary Kay, grassroots advocacy isn’t simply a public affairs strategy; it’s an extension of Mary Kay’s mission and culture. By empowering women entrepreneurs to share their stories, focusing on thoughtful engagement, and prioritizing long-term relationships with policymakers, Mary Kay has built an advocacy model rooted in authenticity.

And in today’s policy environment, that authenticity may be the most powerful tool advocates have.

The Bigger Picture: Direct Selling’s Economic Impact

• Direct selling contributes an estimated annual $79.2 billion to the U.S. economy, supporting household spending, supply chains, and government revenue.^[1]
• More than 12.2 million independent contractors participate in direct selling in the U.S., earning supplemental income and/or building their own businesses (representing every U.S. state).^[2]
• 34.7 billion: retail sales generated directly through direct selling activities.^[3]
• Nationally, $1.00 in direct selling retail sales drives $2.34 of economic activity.^[4]

Learn more about Mary Kay’s advocacy efforts around the world in the 2025 Sustainability Report.

 

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
 

---

^{[1] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[2] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[3] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

^{[4] Direct Selling Education Foundation and Robert A. Peterson, Ph.D., (February 2026). The Economic Impact of Direct Selling Activity in the United States. DSEF 2026 US Economic Impact Report.}

Heart conditions can impact anyone, anywhere, and often without warning. Fifty-nine-year-old Ana Florencio experienced this first-hand when what began as an otherwise typical day quickly turned into one of the scariest moments of her life.

While walking down the streets of New York City a couple of years ago, Ana fainted twice without warning. She later learned she suffered a hypertensive crisis¹ — meaning she had an extreme and sudden spike in blood pressure. The experience marked a turning point in her heart health — one she shares with over 1 in 3 Hispanic women in the U.S. who live with high blood pressure.²

A threat among Hispanic communities

High blood pressure is a chronic condition often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can go undetected until a serious event occurs, as it did with Ana. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to significantly increased health risks including heart attack and stroke.^3,4

The condition affects 39% of Hispanic adults in the U.S.,⁵ and around 83% of Hispanic adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control,⁵ making the condition even more dangerous.

Prior to her fainting episode, Ana was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition closely linked to high blood pressure.³ Realizing she was now managing multiple chronic conditions, she knew now was the time to take action.

When medication falls short

In the time that followed, Ana worked with her care team, Dr. Prakash Krishnan at The Mount Sinai Hospital,^* to manage her blood pressure with medication. While medication is effective for most, many do not maintain a routine to keep taking their medication; in fact, 50% of people with high blood pressure stop taking their medication within one year.⁶ Despite her best efforts, her blood pressure continued to rise. U.S. guidelines from AHA define high blood pressure as any value greater than 130/80 mmHg,³ but Ana’s remained higher than recommended guidelines and she still experienced spikes in her blood pressure. In addition, Ana experienced severe side effects from her medications ranging from chronic nausea to headaches. These symptoms made it difficult for Ana to do the things she once loved, like taking long walks, cooking, cleaning and turning family gatherings into memorable celebrations.

Finding hope through renal denervation

Determined to take control of her health, Ana began researching alternative treatment options with her doctors. After extensive consultations, she learned about a one-time procedure called the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure, a minimally invasive procedure for people with uncontrolled blood pressure despite lifestyle modifications and medications.⁷

The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system works by calming excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to high blood pressure.⁸ The procedure doesn’t require any implant and once done, the effects keep working 24 hours a day.^9,10 

Seeing this as a chance to reclaim her physical and mental health, Ana decided to undergo the procedure. “The results were incredible,” she shared. “Now, I have readings in the normal range, and it has given me the energy to enjoy the little things in life, like going on long walks without the fear of fainting again.” In two clinical studies, over 50% of patients who received the blood pressure procedure saw a 10 millimeters of mercury drop in blood pressure regardless of if they were taking medications or not.^9-11 Medication is still part of Ana’s routine to control her blood pressure.

“So many patients like Ana who continue to struggle with uncontrolled hypertension, despite lifestyle changes and medication – renal denervation offers a meaningful adjunctive therapy,” said Dr. Prakash Krishnan. “Seeing her blood pressure stabilized is exactly why we perform this procedure. My team and I at Mount Sinai Fuster Hospital along with the entire Mount Sinai Health System are very excited to be offering this procedure to help patients.”

Forging your path

Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that treatment for high blood pressure, like most things, isn’t one-size-fits-all. While medications and lifestyle changes (like eating less salt and managing weight) are important tools, they aren’t always enough for every patient. In Ana’s case, a procedure like the Symplicity blood pressure procedure proved to be the missing piece she needed to regain control over her blood pressure numbers.

While public health experts continue to raise awareness about chronic conditions like high blood pressure,¹² Ana’s journey emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risks and demonstrates that, with the right care team and determination, it’s possible to reclaim your health.

This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results.

The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension for whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure.

The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Potential procedure-related adverse events including pain, vascular access site complications, and vasospasm are most common.

To learn more about renal denervation and view additional important safety and risk information, visit beyondHBP.com. 

 

*In the past, this physician has been paid for participation in speaking events by Medtronic.

 

¹ Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/hypertensive-crisis/faq-20058491. Accessed October 29, 2025.

² Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 25;151(8):e41-e660.

³ Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Health and Economic Benefits of High Blood Pressure Interventions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html. Accessed October 29, 2025.

⁶ Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. A. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306.

⁷ Medtronic Symplicity Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation catheter Instructions for Use.

⁸ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁹ Kandzari DE, Townsend RR, Kario K, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Patients Taking Antihypertensive Medications. J Am Coll Cardiol. November 7, 2023;82(19):1809–1823.

¹⁰ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

¹¹ Symplicity Spyral^TM Renal Denervation System. FDA Presentation. US FDA Circulatory Systems Devices Panel. Meeting date August 23, 2023.

¹² Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/call-to-action-to-control-hypertension.pdf. Accessed October 29, 2025.

US-SE-2500594 v 5.0

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company

Heart conditions can impact anyone, anywhere, and often without warning. Fifty-nine-year-old Ana Florencio experienced this first-hand when what began as an otherwise typical day quickly turned into one of the scariest moments of her life.

While walking down the streets of New York City a couple of years ago, Ana fainted twice without warning. She later learned she suffered a hypertensive crisis¹ — meaning she had an extreme and sudden spike in blood pressure. The experience marked a turning point in her heart health — one she shares with over 1 in 3 Hispanic women in the U.S. who live with high blood pressure.²

A threat among Hispanic communities

High blood pressure is a chronic condition often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can go undetected until a serious event occurs, as it did with Ana. When symptoms do appear, they may include headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If not controlled, high blood pressure can lead to significantly increased health risks including heart attack and stroke.^3,4

The condition affects 39% of Hispanic adults in the U.S.,⁵ and around 83% of Hispanic adults with high blood pressure don’t have it under control,⁵ making the condition even more dangerous.

Prior to her fainting episode, Ana was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition closely linked to high blood pressure.³ Realizing she was now managing multiple chronic conditions, she knew now was the time to take action.

When medication falls short

In the time that followed, Ana worked with her care team, Dr. Prakash Krishnan at The Mount Sinai Hospital,^* to manage her blood pressure with medication. While medication is effective for most, many do not maintain a routine to keep taking their medication; in fact, 50% of people with high blood pressure stop taking their medication within one year.⁶ Despite her best efforts, her blood pressure continued to rise. U.S. guidelines from AHA define high blood pressure as any value greater than 130/80 mmHg,³ but Ana’s remained higher than recommended guidelines and she still experienced spikes in her blood pressure. In addition, Ana experienced severe side effects from her medications ranging from chronic nausea to headaches. These symptoms made it difficult for Ana to do the things she once loved, like taking long walks, cooking, cleaning and turning family gatherings into memorable celebrations.

Finding hope through renal denervation

Determined to take control of her health, Ana began researching alternative treatment options with her doctors. After extensive consultations, she learned about a one-time procedure called the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure, a minimally invasive procedure for people with uncontrolled blood pressure despite lifestyle modifications and medications.⁷

The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system works by calming excessively active nerves near the kidneys that may be contributing to high blood pressure.⁸ The procedure doesn’t require any implant and once done, the effects keep working 24 hours a day.^9,10 

Seeing this as a chance to reclaim her physical and mental health, Ana decided to undergo the procedure. “The results were incredible,” she shared. “Now, I have readings in the normal range, and it has given me the energy to enjoy the little things in life, like going on long walks without the fear of fainting again.” In two clinical studies, over 50% of patients who received the blood pressure procedure saw a 10 millimeters of mercury drop in blood pressure regardless of if they were taking medications or not.^9-11 Medication is still part of Ana’s routine to control her blood pressure.

“So many patients like Ana who continue to struggle with uncontrolled hypertension, despite lifestyle changes and medication – renal denervation offers a meaningful adjunctive therapy,” said Dr. Prakash Krishnan. “Seeing her blood pressure stabilized is exactly why we perform this procedure. My team and I at Mount Sinai Fuster Hospital along with the entire Mount Sinai Health System are very excited to be offering this procedure to help patients.”

Forging your path

Ana’s story is a powerful reminder that treatment for high blood pressure, like most things, isn’t one-size-fits-all. While medications and lifestyle changes (like eating less salt and managing weight) are important tools, they aren’t always enough for every patient. In Ana’s case, a procedure like the Symplicity blood pressure procedure proved to be the missing piece she needed to regain control over her blood pressure numbers.

While public health experts continue to raise awareness about chronic conditions like high blood pressure,¹² Ana’s journey emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risks and demonstrates that, with the right care team and determination, it’s possible to reclaim your health.

This patient testimonial is an individual’s experience and opinion. Not every person will experience the same results.

The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system is indicated to reduce blood pressure as an adjunctive treatment in patients with hypertension for whom lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. People with higher blood pressure before the procedure may see greater reductions in blood pressure and a decrease in the need for blood pressure medication following the procedure.

The Symplicity procedure has known risks that should be considered in relation to the potential benefits of the procedure. Potential procedure-related adverse events including pain, vascular access site complications, and vasospasm are most common.

To learn more about renal denervation and view additional important safety and risk information, visit beyondHBP.com. 

 

*In the past, this physician has been paid for participation in speaking events by Medtronic.

 

¹ Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/hypertensive-crisis/faq-20058491. Accessed October 29, 2025.

² Martin SS, Aday AW, Allen NB, et al. 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2025 Feb 25;151(8):e41-e660.

³ Jones DW, et al. 2025 AHA/ACC/AANP/AAPA/ABC/ACCP/ACPM/AGS/AMA/ASPC/NMA/PCNA/SGIM Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2025 Nov 4;86(18):1567-1678.

⁴ High blood pressure dangers: Hypertension’s effects on your body. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/highblood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868. Accessed Oct 16, 2024.

⁵ Health and Economic Benefits of High Blood Pressure Interventions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/priorities/high-blood-pressure.html. Accessed October 29, 2025.

⁶ Berra E, Azizi M, Capron A, et al. A. Evaluation of Adherence Should Become an Integral Part of Assessment of Patients With Apparently Treatment-Resistant Hypertension. Hypertension. 2016 Aug;68(2):297-306.

⁷ Medtronic Symplicity Spyral multi-electrode renal denervation catheter Instructions for Use.

⁸ Coates P, Tunev S, Trudel J, Hettrick DA. Time, Temperature, Power, and Impedance Considerations for Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. September 2022;42:171–177.

⁹ Kandzari DE, Townsend RR, Kario K, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Renal Denervation in Patients Taking Antihypertensive Medications. J Am Coll Cardiol. November 7, 2023;82(19):1809–1823.

¹⁰ Böhm M, Kario K, Kandzari DE, et al. Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lancet. May 2, 2020;395(10234):1444-1451.

¹¹ Symplicity Spyral^TM Renal Denervation System. FDA Presentation. US FDA Circulatory Systems Devices Panel. Meeting date August 23, 2023.

¹² Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/call-to-action-to-control-hypertension.pdf. Accessed October 29, 2025.

US-SE-2500594 v 5.0

©2026 Medtronic. Medtronic, Medtronic logo, and Engineering the extraordinary are trademarks of Medtronic. All other brands are trademarks of a Medtronic company