[Expert consensus statement on interventional renal sympathetic denervation for hypertension treatment]

F Mahfoud1, O Vonend, H Bruck

  • 1Klinik für Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar. felix.mahfoud@uniklinikum-saarland.de

Insights

Renal denervation effectively lowers blood pressure in resistant hypertension cases. This interventional therapy targets sympathetic nerves, offering a new option for patients with high blood pressure unresponsive to medication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Hypertension Management

Background:

  • Resistant hypertension requires advanced treatment strategies.
  • Renal denervation offers a novel interventional approach for blood pressure control.
  • Expert consensus guidelines address the application of renal denervation.

Framework:

  • Recommendations from the German Society of Cardiology, German Society of Nephrology, and German Hypertension League.
  • Defines resistant hypertension with specific blood pressure thresholds.
  • Emphasizes the exclusion of secondary hypertension and pseudoresistance.

Implementation:

  • Renal denervation involves selective denervation of renal sympathetic fibers.
  • Procedure is indicated for patients with systolic office blood pressure ≥160 mmHg (or ≥150 mmHg in type 2 diabetes).
  • Requires preserved renal function (glomerular filtration rate >45 ml/min) and optimized drug therapy.

Implications:

  • Renal denervation reduces office systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
  • Highlights the need for center qualification and interventional expertise.
  • Recommends long-term follow-up and registry participation (e.g., GREAT Registry) for safety and efficacy assessment.

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