A neuromodulation system comprises a sensor configured for sensing a blood pressure of a patient, modulation output circuitry configured for conveying electrical modulation energy to at least one electrode, and a controller/processor coupled to the sensor and the modulation output circuitry. The controller/processor is configured for comparing the blood pressure sensed by the sensor to a first threshold blood pressure, and instructing the modulation output circuitry to convey the electrical modulation energy to the at least one electrode if the sensed blood pressure is greater than the first threshold blood pressure. A method for treating chronic hypertension comprises applying electrical modulation energy to a neural target site, thereby modulating an afferent nerve innervating a patient's kidney, thereby treating the chronic hypertension.