Renal denervation for hypertension.

Hypertension is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Effective therapies are needed for resistant hypertension, a common condition characterized by inadequate blood pressure control despite 3 or more medications, which is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Percutaneous catheter-based renal denervation is a promising new treatment offering the potential to improve blood pressure control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and target end-organ damage in patients with resistant hypertension. Initial studies have demonstrated procedural safety and effectiveness in blood pressure reduction up to 2 years after procedure. Large randomized control trials are necessary and currently underway to define further the role of renal denervation and long-term consequences in the treatment of resistant hypertension.