Blood pressure is used as an indication of how well the heart and blood vessels are working. When a person’s average blood pressure is higher than the accepted target value, they are diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). Over time, if not treated effectively, hypertension increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and death.
For most people, hypertension can be managed by making lifestyle changes and taking medication. But when blood pressure remains high despite treatment, a person is considered to have uncontrolled hypertension, which is associated with a higher risk of more serious health outcomes.
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that may provide an additional treatment option for people with uncontrolled hypertension. In this procedure, a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is used to deliver energy to the walls of the arteries leading to the kidneys, which disrupts nerve signals that regulate blood pressure.
This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective renal denervation is as an adjunctive (additional) treatment to standard care (e.g., lifestyle changes and medication) for adults with uncontrolled hypertension. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding renal denervation and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with hypertension.
Read the full health technology assessment report for more information.
Renal Denervation for Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Health Technology Assessment
January 2026
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The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review health technology assessments and funding recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.