Renal Denervation

Renal denervation is a treatment to help patients with resistant hypertension, a condition where high blood pressure is not well-controlled by medications and lifestyle changes. Uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

How it works

The body regulates blood pressure using messages sent through nerves throughout the body. Overactivity in these nerves can increase blood pressure. Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces activity in the renal nerves in the kidneys.

An interventional cardiologist uses a catheter to send ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to the renal arteries, destroying the renal nerves without damaging the arteries. The reduced nerve activity causes a drop in blood pressure.

Renal denervation may be helpful to adults with resistant hypertension or for patients who are unable to tolerate blood pressure medications.

To learn more, schedule an appointment with Saint Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants at 816-931-1883.