Research progress in renal sympathetic denervation in the treatment of hypertension and symptomatic atrial fibrillation

The desired therapy target is difficult to be achieved by only medicine for either hypertension or atrial fibrillation (AF) and the side effects cannot be ignored. Thus, it has important realistic significance to explore new non-pharmacological methods to treat hypertension and AF. Sympathetic overactivity is one important mechanism of hypertension and is involved in the triggering and maintenance of AF. Renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is a novel therapy for patients with hypertension and symptomatic AF by intervening in the sympathetic nervous system. Many studies have confirmed that RSD is safe and effective in controlling blood pressure and treating AF. Moreover, RSD can treat other diseases associated with excessive sympathetic activation such as sleep apnea syndrome, heart failure and insulin resistance. This article reviews research progress of RSD therapy for patients with hypertension and symptomatic AF.