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Renovascular Hypertension
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure caused by the hardening and thickening of the arteries that supply blood to the kidney.
What is going on in the body?
Arteries are tubes called blood vessels through which blood flows. Healthy arteries are smooth so that blood can flow through them easily. Over time, arteries become rough and fatty substances called plaque start to build up. This narrows the arteries, and blocks the normal flow of blood to the kidneys. The kidneys respond by releasing substances to increase the flow of blood. The kidneys also begin to retain salt and water. This will continue until normal blood flow resumes.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
These people have a greater risk of developing renovascular hypertension:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms include:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made by looking at health records, and doing a physical exam and lab tests. Most people with this disease have very high blood pressure despite taking many drugs to control it. If they begin taking ACE inhibitors, they often develop low blood pressure or kidney failure.
These tests are usually done:
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatments include:
What happens after treatment for the disease?
It is most important to bring the blood pressure down to a normal level and to control any kidney disease. Blockage in the arteries may recur, and angioplasty or stenting may have to be done again.
How is the disease monitored?
Regular follow-up visits with the doctor will be needed to check blood pressure and kidney function.
Attribution
Author:Crystal R. Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:
Edit Date:
Reviewer:William M. Boggs, MD
Date Reviewed:04/19/01