Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: an alternative treatment for renovascular hypertension.

PTA may be the most cost-effective approach to correctable renovascular hypertension. Successful PTA not only lowers the blood pressure, but may also preserve or improve renal function. Patients who are not ideal surgical risks should be considered for this approach if their blood pressure is not controlled or if side effects from antihypertensive drug therapy are disabling. PTA should be performed in consultation with, and with the back-up of, a vascular surgeon.