BACKGROUND Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty with stent is an effective procedure for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. However, the decision to perform this procedure has recently raised considerable debate. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty with stent in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients, especially as it relates to blood pressure control and renal function improvement. METHODS A retrospective analysis was made of the clinical data from 125 atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty from July 2004 to June 2008 in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital. We compared blood pressure, number of oral antihypertensive medications, and renal function changes pre and post-procedure at 24 months follow-up. RESULTS A total of 125 atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients underwent percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty and 143 stents were placed. At 24 months follow-up, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the number of oral antihypertensive medications were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Overall, the estimated glomerular filtration rate did not change significantly (P > 0.05); however, a significant increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the subgroup of patients with a lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and in the subgroup of patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty is a safe procedure for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients, providing a significant improvement in blood pressure control and reduction in the number of oral antihypertensive medications.