High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease: Relationship Explained

One of the major factors contributing to kidney diseases all over the world is high blood pressure. Constantly high blood pressure damages small blood vessels in the kidneys, making it impossible for them to filter blood and eliminate waste from the body. It is vital to know the relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease for maintaining your kidney health.

What Effect Does High Blood Pressure Have on Your Kidneys?

Blood filtering occurs in the kidney through nephrons, millions of tiny filters located in the kidneys which filter blood and eliminate waste through urine. High blood pressure affects the blood vessels throughout the body and makes them narrow or weak. This causes the blood flow through kidneys to become reduced.

The accumulation of waste and fluids begins when the kidneys stop functioning properly. Moreover, kidney diseases can aggravate high blood pressure in a vicious circle causing chronic kidney diseases (CKD).

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

A kidney disease can be developed gradually without having any obvious signs at all. As the condition advances, some of the symptoms include:

• Fluid retention in the feet, ankles, or hands

• Fatigue and weakness

• Often need to urinate, particularly at night

• Having blood in your urine

• Having foamy urine

• Being unable to concentrate

• Lack of appetite

• Nausea and vomiting

• High blood pressure which cannot be easily controlled

Contact your healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

Several conditions that raise the risk of developing kidney disease due to hypertension include:

• Uncontrolled hypertension for a long time

• Diabetes

• Being overweight

• Smoking

• Kidney disease in the family history

• Age

• Consume a lot of salt in food

• Lack of physical activity

Control of these risks is effective in prevention of kidney damage.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Kidneys?

Healthy practices that protect the kidneys include:

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels.

• Taking medications against hypertension regularly.

• Avoidance of salt and food containing a lot of sodium.

• Consumption of a healthy diet.

• Doing exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week).

• Having a normal body mass index.

• Drinking sufficient amounts of water.

• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

• Regular testing of kidney function in case of hypertension.

Options for Treatment

Treatment options mainly focus on the prevention of further kidney damage and blood pressure regulation. These include:

• Medications to lower the blood pressure

• Lifestyle changes

• Blood glucose control in case of diabetes

• The adoption of a diet that is kind to the kidneys, with sodium and protein restrictions

• Dialysis in advanced stages

Conclusion

There exists a definite link between high blood pressure and kidney disease, hence the need for regulating the latter to ensure good kidney health in the long run. Hypertension when not regulated will gradually lead to damage to the kidneys, and eventually result in chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure. The best way to preserve your kidney function is through a healthy lifestyle, adhering to your medication and attending medical consultations.