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Updated: Sep 17, 2025
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Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
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Renal denervation increases capillary density in hypertensive patients
Agnes Bosch1, Joanna M Harazny1,2, Axel Schmid3
1Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Ulmenweg 18, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
European Journal of Preventive Cardiology
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Renal denervation (RDN) significantly lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This procedure also improved retinal capillary density, a marker of microvascular health, six and twelve months post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Research
- Microvascular Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular outcome data post-renal denervation (RDN) is limited.
- Capillary density influences peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
- Retinal microvascular changes indicate hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in retinal capillary density six and twelve months after endovascular RDN.
- To assess the impact of RDN on blood pressure and microvascular function.
Main Methods:
- Endovascular RDN performed on 132 patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
- 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitored at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
- Retinal capillary density measured using scanning laser Doppler flowmetry.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in 24-hour ABP was observed post-RDN (p <0.001).
- Retinal capillary density (CapA) increased significantly at six months (p=0.021) and twelve months (p=0.034) post-RDN.
- The improvements in capillary density suggest enhanced microvascular function.
Conclusions:
- Endovascular RDN effectively reduces blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension.
- RDN leads to increased retinal capillary density, indicating a positive impact on microvasculature.
- These findings suggest RDN may improve hypertension-mediated organ damage markers.
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