High Blood Pressure and Kidney Problem

High blood pressure or hypertension is a major factor in the development of kidney problems.  High blood pressure is increased pressure inside the arteries that carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body.  If blood pressure remains high, it can damage the vessels that supply blood to the internal organs.  If left untreated, this can cause kidney disease.  Hypertension also accelerates the progress of kidney disease where it already exists.

Hypertension can be seen not only as a cause of kidney disease but also as a result of damage brought about by the disease.  As kidney disease continues, physical changes in the kidneys lead to increased blood pressure.  Therefore, a dangerous spiral involving rising blood pressure and factors that raise blood pressure occur.

Drugs used to lower blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs) can slow the progression of kidney disease significantly.  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have proven to be effective.  In addition to ACE inhibitor or an ARB, beta blockers and calcium blockers lower blood pressure.

Any medicine that helps patients achieve a blood pressure target of 130/80 or lower provides benefits.

Healthy lifestyle choices including not smoking, following a low-fat, low-salt diet, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, reducing the amount of alcohol intake lower the risk of high blood pressure and ultimately improves overall health.