Hypertension-Related Kidney Disease
Hypertension is a major cause of kidney disease and kidney failure
(end-stage renal disease). Hypertension can cause damage to the
blood vessels and filters in the kidney, making removal of waste
from the body difficult.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?
- Hypertension
- Decrease in amount of urine or difficulty urinating
- Edema (fluid retention),
especially in the lower legs
- A need to urinate more often, especially at night
How Is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
As with hypertension, you may not realize that you have
kidney disease. Certain laboratory tests can indicate whether
your kidneys are eliminating waste products properly. These
tests include serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN);
too much of either can indicate kidney damage. Proteinuria, an
excess of protein in the urine, is also a sign of kidney
disease.
Who Is At Risk for Hypertension-Related Kidney Disease?
Hypertension-related kidney disease affects every group and
race. However, certain groups are at higher risk, including:
- African-Americans
- Hispanic-Americans
- American Indians
- Natives of Alaska
- People who have diabetes
- People with a family history of hypertension and kidney
disease
How Can I Prevent Kidney Disease?
To prevent hypertension-related kidney damage:
- Try to keep your blood pressure below 130/80.
- Make sure you get your blood pressure checked on a
regular basis.
- Eat a proper diet.
- Take the medication your doctor prescribes.
How Is Kidney Disease Treated?
For patients who have hypertension and kidney disease,
ACE inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker drugs lower blood pressure
and protect the kidneys from further damage.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Plastic Surgery.
Edited by Cynthia Haines, MD, Sept. 2004.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004.
Last Editorial Review: 8/16/2006
- Calcium Channel Blockers - Establishes the medication calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure, angina, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
- Creatinine Blood Test - Learn more about the creatinine blood test, a test that measures kidney function. Abnormal creatinine levels in the blood may indicate kidney disease.
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
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