Biomarkers for Predicting Blood Pressure Response to Renal Denervation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since the FDA approved transcatheter renal denervation (RDN) for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension in 2023, cardiologists have sought to answer a critical question: "Who benefits from RDN?" The blood pressure-lowering effect of RDN varies considerably among individuals, with some showing little to no response. Predicting individual response remains challenging due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. This review summarizes potential biomarkers for predicting the antihypertensive response to RDN, with a focus on their pathophysiological mechanisms.

RECENT FINDINGS

Biomarkers reflecting renal efferent nerve activity, rather than afferent nerve activity, may serve as more reliable predictors of RDN response. Additionally, biomarkers linked to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, such as plasma renin activity and miR-133a, have shown promising predictive value. Further research is needed to validate these findings and identify novel biomarkers to optimize patient selection for RDN.