Cardiovascular Medicine
Resistant Hypertension Clinic
Patient Information
Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension is considered resistant when it does not improve despite the patient receiving at least three medications that work differently. Over time, resistant hypertension damages the arteries, causing them to stiffen. As the arteries become narrower and less flexible, the heart must work harder to move blood through the body. The condition substantially increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Below is some literature to help further understand resistant hypertension.
Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the renal denervation procedure targets the overactive nerves in the renal arteries that contribute to elevated blood pressure. The procedure is minimally invasive. A cardiologist uses a catheter to deliver ultrasound energy to the nerves surrounding the renal arteries. This process disrupts the overactive sympathetic nerve activity, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant and sustained blood pressure reductions in patients who undergo this procedure. Below you'll find a brief video showing how the renal denervation procedure works at UC Davis Health.