High blood pressure (hypertension) affects millions of adults and is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. However, a new treatment called renal artery denervation performed in our Richmond market is helping patients see results where other treatments have come up short.
While many people can manage hypertension with lifestyle changes and medication, some continue to have elevated blood pressure despite their best efforts. Renal artery denervation is a newer, minimally invasive procedure that may help certain patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension.
If you have high blood pressure that you’ve struggled to bring down through various treatments, make an appointment with your cardiologist to discuss whether renal artery denervation is an option for you.
What is renal artery denervation?
Renal artery denervation is a catheter‑based procedure designed to lower blood pressure by reducing overactivity in nerves that surround the renal (kidney) arteries.
Manu Kaushik, MD, an interventional cardiologist and director of interventional cardiology in our Richmond market, says these nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system and play an important, integral role in regulating blood pressure.
In some people, excessive nerve signaling contributes to persistently high readings. Renal artery denervation works by interrupting these signals to help lower blood pressure over time.
“This particular technology allows us to deactivate those overactivated systems around the renal arteries,” Dr. Kaushik adds.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and supported by major cardiovascular organizations, it offers an additional option for people who have not reached their blood pressure goals with standard treatment alone.
How renal artery denervation works
Renal artery denervation is performed through a blood vessel, usually accessed through the groin:
- A thin catheter is guided to the renal arteries
- Controlled energy is delivered to calm overactive nerves
- The arteries themselves are preserved
Currently FDA‑approved systems use either radiofrequency energy or ultrasound energy to treat the nerves. The procedure does not involve surgery and is typically completed in a single session.
Who benefits from it?
Renal artery denervation is not for everyone with high blood pressure. It is generally considered for adults whose blood pressure remains above goal despite appropriate care.
“The patients who tend to benefit most from this procedure are the ones who have primary hypertension, which means that there is no secondary cause of high blood pressure,” Dr. Kaushik says.
Patients who may be evaluated for this option include those who:
- Have resistant or uncontrolled hypertension
- Take multiple blood pressure medications but still have high readings
- Experience side effects that make medications difficult to tolerate
- Have challenges maintaining long‑term medication adherence
“We typically do not use renal denervation therapy in patients who have elevated blood pressure because of kidney disease, certain hormones produced by adrenal glands, extreme obesity, sleep apnea or certain other conditions that might be responsible for driving their blood pressure up,” Dr. Kaushik adds.
Careful evaluation is essential. Blood pressure is typically confirmed with measurements taken outside your provider’s office, and other treatable causes of hypertension are ruled out before considering the procedure.
“We also don’t recommend this therapy as a first-line treatment,” he says. “It’s predominantly reserved for patients who have uncontrolled blood pressure.”
How effective is it?
Clinical studies show that renal artery denervation leads to meaningful reductions in blood pressure for many patients, although individual responses vary.
It’s important to understand that:
- Blood pressure reductions are similar to what is often seen with a single blood pressure medication
- People with higher starting blood pressure tend to see greater benefit
- Not every patient responds, which is why shared decision‑making is important
Renal artery denervation is intended to complement, not replace, existing hypertension care. Dr. Kaushik says that while not everyone is a candidate for this therapy, it’s important because it will have an impact on a significant portion of people who have hypertension.
“Even if we consider that about 35 percent of the population have uncontrolled blood pressure and some of them may be suited for this kind of therapy, that still suggests a pretty significant impact on our patients,” he adds.
Safety and recovery
Modern clinical trials show renal artery denervation is considered safe when performed by trained specialists, like the cardiovascular team in our Richmond market.
Serious complications are uncommon, and kidney function is closely monitored before and after the procedure. As with any medical procedure, you should discuss the risks and benefits in detail with your care team.
What are some questions our providers are frequently asked?
Is renal artery denervation a cure for high blood pressure?
No. It is not a cure, but a treatment option that may help lower blood pressure as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Will I still need blood pressure medication?
Many patients continue taking medications after the procedure, though some may need fewer or lower doses. Results vary by individual.
Is the procedure widely available?
Renal artery denervation is offered at specialized centers with expertise in interventional hypertension care. Availability continues to expand.
How we can help
For patients who struggle to control high blood pressure despite lifestyle changes and medication, renal artery denervation offers a new treatment option that reflects ongoing progress in personalized hypertension care.
If you have questions about your blood pressure or want to learn whether newer treatment options may be appropriate, make an appointment with your cardiologist to discuss what treatment is right for you.
Learn about the heart and vascular care services we offer at Bon Secours.
