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Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) — in which radiofrequency energy is delivered via catheterization to sympathetic nerves in the adventitia of the renal arteries — is being explored as a therapy for drug-resistant hypertension (JW Gen Med Dec 28 2010). In this analysis, patients with office blood pressures (BPs) of 160 mm Hg or more (≥150 mm Hg if diabetic) despite adherence to at least three antihypertensive drugs underwent RSD (n=46) or served as controls (n=18). Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the two groups. Patients with secondary hypertension were excluded. Echocardiograms were performed at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months. Most of the investigators received support from the device manufacturer.
RSD significan…