ESC Congress 2026 Abstract · Oct 26, 2026

Long-term effects of renal denervation on hypertension management: insights from a center of excellence

By Kyriakoulis K, Soulaidopoulos S, Konstantinidis D et al.

Background/Introduction: Renal denervation (RDN) has been approved in recent guidelines as the third pillar for the management of resistant or uncontrolled hypertension. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of radiofrequency (RF) RDN in a cohort of patients treated at an ESH center of excellence, with a mean follow-up of 8 years. Methods: From a pool of patients with uncontrolled hypertension who had previously undergone RF RDN, we included those with a follow-up longer than 3 years (n=97). Baseline and follow-up data were collected for each patient, including office blood pressure (OBP), ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), use of antihypertensive medication, and markers of renal function. A propensity-matched control group of patients with resistant hypertension managed conservatively (without RDN) was selected for comparison. All-cause mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular events were recorded. Results: A total of 76 patients (mean age 61.4±10.5 years, 25% female) had follow-up data over a mean of 8.3±3.4 years. OBP decreased significantly from baseline by 21.8±16.9 mmHg systolic and 13.1±9.6 mmHg diastolic (p<0.001 for both). In 41 patients with ABP data, systolic ABP decreased by 19.4±13.1 mmHg and diastolic ABP by 12.7±10.0 mmHg (p<0.001 for both). The number of prescribed antihypertensive medications was reduced by 0.54±1.2 (p<0.01). By the end of follow-up, 9 of the 97 RDN patients (9.3%) had died, compared with 5 of 44 control patients (11.4%) over a mean follow-up of 8.1±2.3 years. Twelve patients were lost to follow-up. Estimated glomerular filtration rate declined significantly in the RDN group from 83.0±14.4 to 75.5±19.2 mL/min/1.73 m² (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): RDN is a safe procedure that provides durable antihypertensive effects lasting for at least 8 years.Figure

doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehag785.3068Open accessInterventions