It also explores the treatments that can slow the progression of CKD, including medications and specialist procedures.
CKD and high blood pressure make for a deadly combination.
Research suggests that 85% to 95% of people with mild to moderate CKD haveclinical hypertension.
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When most people think about thekidneys, they generally regard them as the filtration system of the body.
This causes water in the body to be retained which, in turn, increases blood pressure.
Renal hypertension tends to affect adults over 65, although it can occur in people of any age.
Around 90% of cases are brought on by atherosclerosis, while 9% are linked to fibromuscular dysplasia.
The risk factors vary by the underlying cause.
Unlike atherosclerosis, most cases are diagnosed after 50.
Smoking appears to increase the severity of the disease.
Genetics is also thought to play a part.
Complications of Renal Hypertension
If left untreated, renal hypertension can affect multiple organs.
Persistently high blood pressure can place undue stress on blood vessels, causing them to rupture or bulge.
It can also cause changes in organs that can lead them to fail or underperform.
Based on the findings, other tests may be ordered to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Physical Exam
People with mild to moderate CKD are often asymptomatic.
They may also report tiredness, shortness of breath with normal activity, decreased urine output.
Lab Tests
Blood and urine tests can provide evidence of renal hypertension.
If left untreated, renal hypertension can accelerate the progression of CKD and lead to end-stage renal disease.
These drugs bring down blood pressure in different ways and help prevent further plaque buildup in arteries.
Specialist Procedures for Renal Hypertension
There are no drugs that can reverse renal artery stenosis.
If the obstruction of blood flow to the kidneys is significant, certain procedures may be recommended.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of this.
Renal hypertension tends to affect people over 65, particularly those who smoke or are overweight.
There may be few if any symptoms in the early stages.
The first-line treatment is antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
Some people can live for many years with CKD and never progress to kidney failure.
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