High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Sometimes persistent high blood pressure can be the reason your kidney function declines. Alternatively, poor or declining kidney function can cause or worsen high blood pressure. The two systems are interrelated.
Most people know that high blood pressure can cause heart problems by causing your arteries to narrow and harden, a condition called atherosclerosis, but high blood pressure can also damage arteries throughout your body, including those carrying blood to and from your kidneys. Altered blood flow to the kidneys can cause organ damage leading to issues with:
Knowing that you have high blood pressure and managing it in partnership with your primary care provider is the first step. High blood pressure is incredibly common, with 70% of Americans developing high blood pressure in their lifetime. Kidney damage is just one of many serious complications from uncontrolled high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, keeping an eye on the results from your urine tests will be important. If your creatinine levels (blood markers of kidney function) are high, it may be time to see a nephrologist for evaluation.
Symptoms of kidney disease may include:
Yes, because the kidneys help regulate your blood pressure. If kidney function is impaired, you can also develop high blood pressure even if you did not previously have it. Chronic kidney disease can be caused by a host of factors including genetics, vascular disease or autoimmune disorders, so some individuals can develop high blood pressure as a result of their reduced kidney function.
This condition is called renal hypertension, and those diagnosed with renal hypertension may benefit from the care of a nephrologist and other specialists, which could include a vascular surgeon, to manage their condition.
If you have kidney disease and high blood pressure, you are not alone. Many individuals struggle with managing both their kidney health and their blood pressure which is why finding highly trained specialists is so important. At Hattiesburg Clinic, our comprehensive care team focuses first on prevention of the long-term complications of kidney disease. In concert with Hattiesburg Clinic’s primary care, vascular and heart doctors, we focus on coordinating care with each of your doctors to provide the highest quality outcomes for our patients. Contact one of our practices below with any questions or to make an appointment.