A 45-year-old man with resistant hypertension on four drugs including spironolactone has a blood pressure of 160/95 mmHg. Renal denervation is being considered. Which statement about renal denervation is correct?

• A It is recommended as first-line therapy for resistant hypertension
• B It is approved by the FDA for all hypertensive patients
• C It is contraindicated in patients with renal artery stenosis
• D It reduces blood pressure by interrupting renal sympathetic nerves ✓

Explanation

Renal denervation reduces blood pressure by catheter-based ablation of renal sympathetic nerves, decreasing systemic sympathetic drive. It is not first-line; it is reserved for truly resistant hypertension after lifestyle measures and multiple drugs. It is not FDA approved for all hypertensives. Renal artery stenosis is not an absolute contraindication, though safety data are limited. The mechanism is the key fact.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.