Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Treatment in
Renal Denervation for High Blood Pressure
Overview
If your blood pressure remains high despite taking medication, you may have treatment-resistant hypertension. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
M Health Fairview offers renal denervation, a minimally invasive procedure that can help lower blood pressure in people whose hypertension is difficult to control. Our team provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and ongoing support to help patients achieve better blood pressure control and reduce their risk of future complications.
What is Renal Denervation?
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that helps lower blood pressure by reducing overactive nerve signals between the kidneys and the brain.
These nerves play an important role in regulating blood pressure. In some people, the nerves become overactive, causing blood pressure to remain high even when medications are used. During renal denervation, a physician guides a thin catheter through a blood vessel to the arteries that supply the kidneys. Using heat or ultrasound energy, the physician gently ablates the nerves surrounding the arteries to reduce their activity.
Key benefits of renal denervation include:
- No permanent device is left in the body
- The procedure is typically completed in about one hour
- Most patients go home the same day
- Results can be long-lasting
When to Seek a Referral
You may benefit from an evaluation with our team if you:
- Have high blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite taking three or more blood pressure medications
- Cannot tolerate blood pressure medications because of side effects or allergies
- Have a history of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney disease and struggle to control your blood pressure
- Have concerns about managing multiple blood pressure medications
A referral does not automatically mean you will need surgery. Our specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best treatment plan for each patient.
Our approach
At M Health Fairview, we do more than perform procedures – we help patients understand why their blood pressure remains elevated and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Our team includes specialists with advanced training in vascular and cardiovascular care who work closely with nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and referring providers. Together, we:
- Review current medications and treatment history
- Screen for underlying causes of high blood pressure
- Evaluate whether renal denervation is appropriate
- Optimize medications when needed
- Provide ongoing follow-up and monitoring
Because not every patient needs renal denervation, we focus on finding the right solution for each individual. For some patients, that may mean adjusting medications. For others, renal denervation may offer an additional path to better blood pressure control.
Treatment Options
Treatment for resistant hypertension may include one or more of the following:
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, and limiting sodium can help improve blood pressure control.
- Medication management: Our team carefully reviews medications, dosing schedules, and potential side effects. Sometimes adjusting or changing medications can significantly improve blood pressure control.
- Evaluation for underlying causes: Certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea and hormone-related disorders, can contribute to high blood pressure. We screen for these conditions and coordinate additional care when needed.
- Renal denervation: For eligible patients, renal denervation offers a non-medication treatment option that can provide sustained blood pressure reduction over time.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Before the procedure, you’ll meet with our team to determine whether renal denervation is right for you.
During the Procedure
- The procedure is performed using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel, usually in the groin
- Most patients receive sedation to keep them comfortable
- The procedure typically takes about one hour
After the Procedure
- Patients are monitored for a short period and usually return home the same day
- Someone will need to drive you home
- Most people can return to normal activities quickly, with only a few days of restrictions on heavy lifting
Results
Renal denervation is not an immediate cure for high blood pressure. Blood pressure improvements typically occur gradually over several months. Patients continue taking their prescribed medications after the procedure while their care team monitors progress and adjusts treatment as needed.
The goal is to improve blood pressure and, for some patients, reduce the number of medications needed over time.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
M Health Fairview brings together experts across primary care, cardiology, nephrology, pharmacy, and specialty services to provide coordinated care for patients with complex hypertension.
Because our providers work within one connected system, patients benefit from seamless communication, shared medical records, and coordinated treatment plans. Whether you need medication management, evaluation for underlying conditions, or advanced procedures, you’ll receive care tailored to your needs.
Referrals
A physician referral is required to schedule a consultation with our renal denervation team. Referrals are appropriate for patients who:
- Have blood pressure that remains elevated despite treatment
- Cannot tolerate blood pressure medications because of side effects or allergies
- Need specialized evaluation for resistant hypertension
- May be candidates for renal denervation
Our team will perform a comprehensive assessment and work closely with referring providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
To refer a patient or learn more about renal denervation services, call 612-365-5000.