Clinical management of renovascular hypertension : practical recommendations from the Italian Society of Hypertension (SIIA)

Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is one of the most frequent forms of secondary hypertension but this diagnosis is often missed because of insufficient care taken in collecting patient's history and clinical signs. Herein we summarize the clinical, instrumental and laboratory clues which should raise the suspicion of RVH. In addition we briefly discuss the available evidence in favour and against the revascularization therapy and, at the light of the uncertain benefit of this procedure, the alternative approach with pharmacological treatment.