Renal Hypertension – Causes and Treatment
Renal hypertension, also known as renovascular hypertension, is a form of secondary hypertension. High blood pressure caused by a disorder of a specific organ is known as secondary hypertension.
Causes of renal hypertension
Narrowing of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys pushes up the blood pressure level, leading to renal hypertension. Several factors might be associated with this condition.
It has been observed that in young women suffering from renal hypertension, narrowing of the renal arteries occur when the muscular walls of the arteries carrying blood to the kidneys thicken. In older adults, atherosclerosis is usually the main cause of renal hypertension.
Fats, which accumulate in the renal arteries, harden over time, forming hard plaques in the blood vessels. The plaques clog and narrow the arteries, leading to secondary hypertension.
Narrowing of renal arteries restricts blood circulation through the kidneys. When the blood flow falls in the kidney, it starts producing angiotensin and rennin hormones.
These hormones along with aldosterone, a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, constrict the peripheral arteries present in the body. Constriction in the arteries increases the blood pressure level.
Renal hypertension could cause kidney damage by lowering blood circulation through the kidney. High blood pressure could even be a symptom of a kidney disease. Sodium retention and hormonal imbalance caused by chronic kidney problems might push up the blood pressure level.
Renal hypertension treatment
Renal hypertension usually occurs in young adults. Sudden occurrence of high blood pressure in older adults might be a sign of renal hypertension. It can be quite difficult to treat hypertension caused by narrowing of blood vessels supplying blood to the kidneys. Blood pressure reducing medication and a sodium-restricted diet could lower the blood pressure level.
Balloon angioplasty is a popular method for treating renal hypertension. Balloon angioplasty helps to widen the narrowed renal arteries with the help of a stent. Occasionally, surgery is recommended to open up the clogged renal arteries.
To prevent this condition, you should limit consumption of saturated fats. A balanced low fat diet could lower the risk of renal hypertension. Regular exercise might keep your renal arteries in good health.
