The relationship between kidney disease and high blood pressure
The kidneys are vital organs that remove waste and excess fluid from the body.
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease that causes kidney damage and reduces the ability to function properly. Over time, this damage can cause waste to build up in the body, which can cause serious health complications.
Kidney disease and high blood pressure, or hypertension, are closely linked.
Read on as we explore the relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, which can cause damage to your kidneys and other organs, including your heart and brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the adults in the United States suffer from hypertension.
What is kidney disease?
For those who suffer from kidney disease, their kidneys are damaged and cannot perform their normal functions.
Many types of kidney diseases exist caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetic disorders.
How high blood pressure causes kidney disease
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing kidney disease.
The kidneys rely on a network of tiny blood vessels to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. However, high blood pressure can cause these blood vessels to narrow, weaken, or harden, impairing their ability to filter blood properly.
Over time, high blood pressure can lead to nephrosclerosis, a type of kidney disease caused by damage to those blood vessels.
High blood pressure can also damage the glomeruli, small kidney structures that filter blood. When the blood vessels that supply the glomeruli become damaged, they can no longer filter blood properly, leading to proteinuria (the presence of protein in the urine) and, eventually, kidney failure.
Preventing kidney disease caused by high blood pressure
The good news is that, in many cases, kidney disease caused by high blood pressure is preventable.
The most effective way to prevent kidney disease is to manage high blood pressure, which you can do through lifestyle changes and medication.
Lifestyle changes that can help manage high blood pressure include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Engaging in regular physical activity
Limiting alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking
In addition to lifestyle changes, many different types of medication can treat high blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Your doctor can help you determine which medication is right for you based on your needs.
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to check your blood pressure regularly and work with your doctor to manage it. You should also test your kidney function regularly if you suffer from high blood pressure.
Treating kidney disease caused by high blood pressure
If you have kidney disease caused by high blood pressure, there are treatments available that can help slow the progression of kidney disease and prevent complications.
Treatment options may include:
Blood pressure medication to manage high blood pressure
Medication to control cholesterol levels
Medicines to treat anemia (low red blood cell count)
Medicines to manage bone diseases
Dialysis or kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting smoking can also help manage kidney disease caused by high blood pressure.
Hypertension and kidney disease: the bottom line
High blood pressure can cause kidney disease by damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys.
However, kidney disease caused by high blood pressure is preventable and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.
Preventing high blood pressure is the best way to prevent kidney disease. Yet, if you already have kidney disease caused by high blood pressure, there are treatments available that can help manage the disease and prevent complications.
It is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function, especially if you have a family history of high blood pressure or kidney disease.
Early detection and treatment can help prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease caused by high blood pressure.
In addition to medical treatment, there are several steps you can take to protect your kidneys and reduce your risk of kidney disease, such as:
Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks
Limit your salt intake
Quit smoking
Manage your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight
Get enough sleep
By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of developing kidney disease caused by high blood pressure and maintain sound kidney health.
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease or are at risk of kidney disease due to high blood pressure, the team at Reset Kidney Health can help. We know from experience that early treatment for kidney disease saves lives. With Reset, you can easily schedule appointments with our world-class kidney specialists to get the exceptional treatment you deserve from the comfort of your home. We even offer an at-home kidney test to check your kidney health free of charge. Contact us today to speak with a member of our care team.
