Long-Term Renal and Cardiac Outcomes after Stenting in Patients with Resistant Hypertension and Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis

Background/Aims: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is frequently detected in patients with resistant hypertension (RHTN), but the evidence supporting the utility of renal revascularization in these patients is limited. This prospective, observational study investigates the outcomes of renal stenting in patients with RHTN and hemodynamically significant ARAS. Methods: Fifty-four patients with RHTN were selected because of angiographic evidence of ARAS >70% and were followed for 4 years after renal stenting. Renal function and echocardiographic variables were assessed at baseline and during follow-up. Results: Blood pressure decreased rapidly after renal stenting and was normalized in 67% of patients at six months, with significant reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs. Creatinine clearance increased in 39% of patients, decreased in 52%, and remained stable in the remaining 9%, with an average value that had a nonsignificant decrease during follow-up. Urinary albumin excretion did not change throughout the study. After 4 years, left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and concentric geometry decreased significantly and variables of LV diastolic function improved. Conclusion: In patients with RHTN, stenting of hemodynamically significant ARAS decreases blood pressure, preserves renal function in a substantial proportion of patients, and improves LV structure and function, suggesting the opportunity for timely identification of ARAS in these patients.