Impact of Renal SympAthetic DenerVation on Chronic HypErtension

Despite the development of many drug therapies designed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), it remains a considerable and poorly managed health, social and economic burden. For various reasons, including the high health care costs of treatment, there are estimates that up to 65% of patients with high blood pressure have untreated and/or uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Aside from its effect on kidney function, chronic high blood pressure increases the risk for stroke, and heart disease. It is also thought to be involved in the formation of irregular heartbeats. This link between high blood pressure and heart health has been well described, as has their combined effect on the aging and the obesity-battling Western world. A recently published study (Symplicity HTN-2 trial) established the benefit of a new treatment procedure, catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN) for hypertension, as having enormous potential for the treatment of patients with high blood pressure. This multi-center trial will attempt to confirm and expand on these promising data. Patients who enroll in the trial will be followed for 4 years.