You might think of kidney health problems as separate issues from your blood pressure. However, renal hypertension, a form of high blood pressure, can be just as serious as cardiovascular health conditions.
It’s important to understand the link between kidney function and blood pressure. Once your kidneys become compromised, the damage isn’t reversible. Know the signs, symptoms, and treatment options related to renal hypertension so you can maintain your kidney health as long as possible.
How Renal Hypertension Develops
Your kidneys work with the rest of your body to maintain your blood pressure, fluid and sodium balance, pH levels, and more. When either your kidneys or the rest of your body is thrown out of balance, the other can suffer.
Narrowed Kidney Arteries
Renal hypertension has the same cause as standard high blood pressure — the narrowing of arteries. With this disease, the arteries that are most compromised are the ones that lead into your kidneys. This can be very dangerous if left untreated.
Many different factors can cause narrowed kidney arteries, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), scarring due to general hypertension, and others. When this happens, you’re at an increased risk of developing renal hypertension.
Your Kidneys’ Response
When your kidneys aren’t getting enough blood flow — which is a common issue when your arteries narrow — they release certain hormones. These hormones cause your blood pressure to rise in an attempt to get more blood flowing to your kidneys.
The Vicious Cycle of Renal Hypertension
Renal hypertension is a real problem, particularly if it progresses for a long time. Once your kidney blood flow is compromised, your kidneys stop working as efficiently.
One of the primary functions of your kidneys is to balance sodium and water levels in your body. Compromised kidneys won’t filter sodium out of your system as effectively. When there’s too much sodium circulating, you experience high blood pressure, and the hypertension cycle continues.
Chronic hypertension can contribute to the development of kidney disease, which has no cure. Many experts consider kidney disease to be the root cause of renal hypertension, but general hypertension plays a large role as well.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Renal Hypertension
You might be wondering if this problem will affect you, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with general hypertension. There are key signs and symptoms to look out for. You should also consult closely with a physician who can monitor your blood and kidney health consistently.
Headaches
In some cases, high blood pressure will cause headaches or migraines. Scientists believe this happens because of changes in the blood-brain barrier. Pressure can build in this region during high blood pressure episodes, leading to discomfort, pain, and migraine headache symptoms.
Vision Changes
Extremely high blood pressure levels can damage the arteries and blood vessels in your eyes. This leads to double vision, blurriness, and general difficulty seeing. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, renal hypertension may be the culprit.
Confusion
Your brain can’t function properly when your blood pressure is too high. This symptom is usually a sign that you’re in a hypertensive crisis and need immediate medical attention. If you start feeling confused, dazed, or mentally foggy, consider renal hypertension as the root cause.
Nausea and Vomiting
Hypertensive crises usually induce nausea and, in some cases, bouts of vomiting. This is another critical symptom to watch for, as it means you need emergency medical treatment.
An Important Note
Potential Treatments for Better Kidney Health
Research status and treatment decisions
Research into emerging medical approaches is ongoing. Early laboratory findings, small studies, or preliminary clinical results do not establish that a product or procedure is safe or effective for every person with this condition. Treatment decisions should account for the quality of the evidence, regulatory status, known risks, established alternatives, and the patient’s individual medical history.
Questions to discuss with a licensed clinician
- What diagnosis has been confirmed, and what else could be causing the symptoms?
- Which established treatment options are appropriate, and what are their expected benefits and risks?
- What evidence supports the specific product or procedure being considered?
- Is the proposed use FDA-approved for this exact purpose or being studied in a registered clinical trial?
- What side effects, costs, follow-up needs, and alternatives should be considered?
This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition, and it does not promise a particular outcome.
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