Arterial hypertension is a highly prevalent disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Despite great advances in drug therapy, a considerable number of patients do not have an effective control of the disease, despite the use of multiple drugs, usually in high doses. Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) has proved to be a promising therapy, with high safety and efficacy in preliminary studies in patients with resistant hypertension. The role of sympathetic nervous system in the physiopathology of hypertension is well known and is the rationale for the ablation of sympathetic fibers by transluminal delivery of radiofrequency in the renal arteries. In the last few years, results from case series, non-controlled studies and one multicenter randomized trial with a limited number of patients have shown a significant decrease in short and mid-term blood pressure levels. The objective of this review was to gather evidence on the use of RSD in the control of resistant hypertension and describe technical aspects and perspectives of the procedure.
Hypertension; Drug resistance; Kidney; Review
