New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Hypertension

Hypertension affects about one in three adults in the United States. Current treatment includes several drug classes — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, diuretics — often used in combination. Most people can reach target blood pressure with existing medications, but adherence remains a challenge and some people develop resistant hypertension.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing new approaches to resistant hypertension, including renal denervation devices that disrupt nerve signals to the kidneys. Studies are also examining precision approaches based on underlying causes, longer-acting drug formulations that reduce pill burden, and treatments targeting salt-sensitive hypertension. Researchers are investigating earlier intervention in prehypertension to prevent organ damage.

What to know before you search

Eligibility often depends on baseline blood pressure level, number of current medications, kidney function, and cardiovascular history.

What types of trials are currently open

• Device trials — Testing renal denervation catheters and implantable devices that regulate blood pressure through nerve modulation or continuous monitoring.
• Drug combination trials — Testing new combinations of existing drug classes or single pills containing multiple medications to simplify treatment and improve control.
• Resistant hypertension trials — Studies focused on people whose blood pressure stays high despite taking three or more medications, testing both new drugs and devices.
• Prevention trials — Testing whether early treatment in people with prehypertension can prevent progression to hypertension and reduce cardiovascular events.
• Precision medicine studies — Following people to understand which subtypes of hypertension respond best to which treatments based on genetics, kidney function, or hormone levels.