What is Renal Hypertension

Renal hypertension, also known as renovascular hypertension, is high blood pressure caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys (renal arteries). This condition is often due to a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in your arteries or other issues that reduce blood flow to your kidneys.

Consult the best nephrologist in Brooklyn, NY if you experience symptoms of renal hypertension at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center.

When your kidneys don’t receive enough blood, they mistakenly sense it as low blood pressure. In response, they release hormones like renin, which triggers a process that increases your blood pressure throughout your body. This is a way for your kidneys to try to restore normal blood flow, but it can lead to persistent high blood pressure (hypertension).

Causes

Renal hypertension is primarily caused by conditions that reduce blood flow to your kidneys. The kidneys regulate blood pressure by adjusting fluid and electrolyte balance, but when they sense reduced blood flow, they respond by increasing blood pressure. The most common cause can include:

  • Atherosclerosis – This is the most common cause of renal hypertension. Plaque buildup in your renal arteries reduces blood flow to your kidneys.
  • Fibromuscular dysplasia – A less common condition where the artery walls develop abnormal tissue growth, leading to narrowing of your renal arteries.

Symptoms

Renal hypertension may not always present noticeable symptoms, but signs can include:

  • Severe or difficult-to-control high blood pressure.
  • Kidney dysfunction – Decreased kidney function or abnormal kidney test results.
  • Fluid retention (swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet).
  • Headaches, blurred vision, or dizziness due to high blood pressure.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice when you notice or experience the following:

  • Sudden onset of high blood pressure (especially before age 30 or after age 50).
  • Worsening of previously controlled high blood pressure.
  • Kidney issues – If you have high blood pressure along with signs of kidney problems (such as changes in urination or swelling).

For proper diagnosis, tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or angiography can check for narrowing of your renal arteries. Blood and urine tests also help assess your kidney function.

Treatment for renal hypertension may involve medications to control your blood pressure, lifestyle changes, or procedures to restore normal blood flow to your kidneys, such as angioplasty or surgery.

Early detection and treatment are important to prevent further kidney damage and manage blood pressure effectively.

At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our urologists and nephrologists in Brooklyn, New York can help you treat and manage your condition well. To schedule an appointment, you may call us at 1-347-384-5694 or visit our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/. You can also visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.