Understanding Renal Hypertension

From entering the exam hall to meeting your deadlines at work, we all have experienced stress in our lives. Even though stress is a common aspect of all living beings, it is necessary to know where to draw the line. Excessive stress can have serious health complications in both children and adults alike. 

Stress is the human body’s natural response to pressure. When we experience something that may threaten our safety and well-being, our brain triggers a distress signal, which causes stress. It is a fight-or-flight mechanism meant to motivate and tell us how to react to that challenging situation. However, it becomes a health concern when it exceeds its duration and intensity.

 Stress can cause both physical and emotional health risks. It can affect your body, your thoughts, your mind and even your behaviour. One such organ that stress can affect is our kidneys. Hypertension can increase your chance of developing risks of kidney disease. With the help of the best nephrologists in Dubai, we bring you this blog on renal hypertension, a grave health condition caused due to high blood pressure.

What is Renal Hypertension?

Renal hypertension is a type of high blood pressure caused by problems with the kidneys. It is sometimes called renovascular hypertension because the main artery that supplies blood to the kidneys is the renal artery. It leads to the narrowing of your renal arteries, which restricts blood flow, and the blood pressure in the kidney becomes too high. A blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or above is considered hypertension. 

Renal hypertension can lead to a variety of health problems, including kidney damage, heart disease, and stroke. Even though it is commonly found in adults, this condition can affect children too. 

Causes of Renal Hypertension 

Renal hypertension can be caused by several things, including narrowed or damaged renal arteries, kidney tumours, or an accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues around the kidneys.

There are many potential causes of renal hypertension, including but not limited to-

1. Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys (known as renal artery stenosis)
2. High blood pressure in the general population (known as systemic hypertension)
3. Kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
4. Tumours that compress or invade the kidneys
5. Drugs that can cause hypertension, including over-the-counter cold medications and illegal drugs such as cocaine
6. Endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome or Conn’s syndrome
7. Pregnancy
8. Drinking too much alcohol 

Symptoms of Renal Hypertension

The symptoms of renal hypertension can be hard to identify, as they resemble those of other conditions. Symptoms can include-

• Persistent headaches
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears.
• Swelling in the feet and ankles
• Changes in urine output (Bloodied urine) 
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Nosebleed
• High blood pressure even after taking medications
• Sudden and uncontrollable increase in blood pressure

You must consult a nephrologist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Diagnosis of Renal Hypertension

Constricted arteries do not always indicate renal hypertension. Since the symptoms of this condition are common to other health problems, the diagnosing process is done after considering a lot of factors, such as the patient’s medical history and conducting physical conditions. If you have a past record of other vascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes, your chances of getting affected by renal hypertension are high.

In suspected cases, blood tests are performed for a more detailed evaluation. In most cases, techniques like MRI or CT scanning are used to check whether the arteries are narrowed. Nowadays, a method called catheter angiogram, where a small catheter is threaded into the renal artery to take x-ray images of the vessels. 

Treatment Options for Renal Hypertension

There are different treatment options for renal hypertension. Some people may need to take medication to control their blood pressure, while others may need to make certain changes to their diet or lifestyle. Invasive methods like angioplasty, stenting and surgery may also be an option in some cases. 

In a Nutshell

Renal hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to various health problems. If you are suffering from renal hypertension, it is always better to consult an expert nephrologist in Dubai for a proper diagnosis. With available treatment options and early diagnosis, most people can achieve a satisfactory quality of life.