Renal denervation increases capillary density in hypertensive patients

Bosch A, Harazny JM, Schmid A, Kannenkeril D, Karg M, Bytyqi V, Roth H, Schiffer M, Uder M, Schmieder R (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology SAGE Publications

Book Volume: 33

Pages Range: 1248-1255

Journal Issue: 7

DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf387

Abstract

Aims: Cardiovascular (CV) outcome data after endovascular renal denervation (RDN) are sparse. Capillary density determines total peripheral resistance and thus blood pressure. Microvascular changes of the retinal vessels are a marker of hypertension-mediated organ damage. We report data on capillary density 6 and 12 months after RDN. Methods and results: Endovascular RDN was performed in 132 patients with uncontrolled hypertension confirmed by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). Office and 24-h ABP were measured at baseline and 6 and 12 months after RDN. In parallel, retinal capillary density was measured by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter, Heidelberg Engineering, Germany). This technique uses the retinal microvasculature as a mirror of the microvasculature in the systemic circulation. The 24-h ABP was reduced from 151/88 mmHg to 143/84 mmHg (6 months after RDN) and to 142/82 mmHg (12 months after RDN) (all P < 0.001). Retinal capillary density was improved both 6 and 12 months after RDN, as evidenced by an increase in CapA [1691 ± 805 µm² at baseline vs. 1853 ± 948 µm² 6 months after RDN, P = 0.021 and 1967 ± 980 µm² 12 months after RDN, P = 0.034, (P = 0.097 for change between 6 and 12 months)]. Conclusion: In patients with arterial hypertension, blood pressure reduction by RDN increased retinal capillary density both 6 and 12 months after the procedure.

Authors with CRIS profile

Agnes Bosch Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension Axel Schmid Institute of Radiology Dennis Kannenkeril Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension Marina Karg Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension Mario Schiffer Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin IV Michael Uder Lehrstuhl für Diagnostische Radiologie Roland Schmieder Department of Medicine 4 – Nephrology and Hypertension

How to cite

APA:

Bosch, A., Harazny, J.M., Schmid, A., Kannenkeril, D., Karg, M., Bytyqi, V.,... Schmieder, R. (2026). Renal denervation increases capillary density in hypertensive patients. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 33(7), 1248-1255. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf387

MLA:

Bosch, Agnes, et al. "Renal denervation increases capillary density in hypertensive patients." European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 33.7 (2026): 1248-1255.

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