Renal Sympathetic Denervation and Insulin Sensitivity (RENSYMPIS Study)

Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Catheter- based renal denervation causes substantial and sustained blood- pressure reduction in patients with resistant hypertension.

The purpose of RENSYMPIS is to study the effects of renal denervation on:

1. Cardiovascular function
2. Metabolic factors
3. Inflammatory and endocrine factors
4. Coagulation
5. Sleep

Inclusion Criteria:

• Resistant Hypertension (systolic blood pressure >160mmHg and 3 or more antihypertensive agents in use)
• Age 30- 69 years
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary hypertension
• Pseudohypertension
• Pregnancy
• Renal insufficiency (GFR <45ml/min)
• Clinically significant stenotic valvular disease
• Oral anticoagulation
• CCS III-IV symptoms or CABG/PCI in previous 6 months
• Prior stroke
• Contrast agent allergy
• inappropriate renal artery anatomy (< 4mm diameter, < 20mm length)