Current evidence from the available clinical trials strongly support the notion that catheter-based radiofrequency ablation of renal nerves reduces blood pressure and improves blood pressure control in patients with drug-treated resistant hypertension, with data now extending out to 36 months. Accordingly, renal denervation can be considered as a therapeutic option in patients with resistant hypertension, whose blood pressure cannot be controlled by a combination of lifestyle modification and pharmacological therapy according to current guidelines. The fact that renal denervation also reduces whole-bodysympathetic nerve activity suggests that this therapy may also be beneficial in other clinical states characterized by sympathetic nervous system activation-this may ultimately lead to new indications. © The Author 2013.