RESISTANT HYPERTENSION – RAY OF HOPE

Abstract

Hypertension has assumed the status of a major health problem effecting 40% population above the age of 60 years. The causal relationship with stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure and renal failure has been established beyond any doubt. Adequate hypertension control remains a challenge even in the advanced countries. Resistant hypertension, defined as failure to achieve target blood pressure despite concurrent use of 3 antihypertensive agents of different classes inclusive of diuretics, is estimated to affect 20-30% of hypertensive patients.1,2 To conclude, resistant hypertension is a big challenge considering the high prevalence in middle aged and older population and it claims higher toll in terms of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and renal complications. Sympathetic renal denervation has proven to be a ray of hope for such patients. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure in short term and confer additional benefits in many studies. The technology has to mature further so that it is available to larger population and at an affordable cost.