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For the great majority of CKD patients, hypertension is both a cause and a consequence of the disease. In patients with chronic kidney disease, managing hypertension is crucial since it lowers the risk of CVD and slows the course of the illness. Numerous studies have found vast variations in the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in India, with ranges of 6-20% and 13-58%, respectively. 31.6 per cent of the CKD group had diabetes mellitus, and 64.5% had hypertension. 4.5% of patients self-reported having kidney stones. In this blog, we will discuss the correlation between high blood pressure and kidney diseases.
Synopsis
- What is Kidney Hypertension
- What Causes High Blood Pressure
- What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease: The Interlinking
- What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
- How Do You Diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease
- Treatment Of Kidney Disease
- Ways to Protect Your Kidneys from High Blood Pressure
- Conclusion
What is Kidney Hypertension
One of the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is high blood pressure. Blood vessels all over your body might sustain damage from high blood pressure over time. Constriction in one or many arteries causes an increase in blood pressure, due to which important organs like the kidneys may receive less blood as a result of constriction in the arteries. Additionally, high blood pressure harms your kidneys' microscopic filtering organs. The kidneys may cease eliminating waste products and surplus fluid from your blood as a result. The excess fluid in your blood vessels might accumulate and cause your blood pressure to rise even further. Maintaining a healthy range of blood pressure is mostly dependent on your kidneys. Kidney disease reduces the kidneys' ability to control blood pressure, causing it to rise.
What Causes High Blood Pressure
Primary hypertension lacks a single, well-defined origin. Typical reasons include:
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Unhealthy eating habits, such as a diet heavy in salt
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Absence of exercise
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High alcohol-containing beverage consumption
An underlying illness might result in secondary high blood pressure. Some commonly seen causes of secondary high blood pressure include:
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Tumours of the adrenal glands
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Issues with your heart and blood vessels that are present at birth
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Painkillers, birth control tablets, cold remedies, and some other prescription medications
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Substance abuse, like amphetamines and cocaine
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Thyroid issues
What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
There are a few symptoms of high blood pressure to watch out for if your blood pressure is high, including:
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Severe headaches
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Exhaustion or disorientation
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Irregular heartbeat
The majority of patients do not have any symptoms. So blood pressure should be monitored at regular intervals. If in case any of these symptoms persist, consult our expert Nephrology Doctor in Mukundapur
Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease: The Interlinking
People with hypertension experience a constriction of the blood vessels throughout their body as a result of the increased pressure from their blood flow. The blood vessels are damaged as a result, which makes it harder for the kidneys to carry out their regulating role.
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Increased blood pressure is usually due to constriction of one or many arteries. This constriction mainly happens as a consequence of the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
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Following this damage to the arteries, nephrons, which are the kidney's filtering units, do not get enough oxygen or nutrition to operate. Consequently, all of the waste, excess fluid, and toxins in the urine cannot be adequately eliminated by the kidneys. This eventually causes a build-up of these wastes in the kidney, which causes progressive damage to the kidneys' blood arteries and can result in renal disease and, eventually, kidney failure.
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As the kidneys get damaged and do not function adequately, there is an excessive accumulation of waste products like electrolytes in the bloodstream, which causes an increase in blood pressure again. This loop mechanism happens like a chain reaction and disturbs the overall health of the individual.
Although kidney damage may not be able to be reversed, there are steps patients may take to limit its progression. Elevated blood pressure within the kidney's blood arteries exacerbates renal disease. As a result, those who have renal illnesses must learn effective ways to manage their blood pressure.
What are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Kidney disease symptoms include the following:
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Elevated or declining blood pressure
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Reduction in the volume of pee or difficulty urinating
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Fluid retention, or oedema, particularly in the lower limbs
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An increased desire to urinate, particularly at night
How Do You Diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease
The diagnostic methods for CKD include:
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Blood test: The test quantifies the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. Your doctor will determine how many millilitres of waste your kidneys should be able to filter in a minute based on the findings of your blood test, as well as your age, size, and gender.
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eGFR test: The amount of waste a kidney can filter in a minute is known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and it is determined by measuring the blood's creatinine levels. While healthy kidneys should filter more than 90 ml/min, lesser rates can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
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Urine routine analysis: Urine tests look for blood or protein in the urine as well as the albumin: creatinine ratio (ACR).
Kidney damage can also be evaluated by other testing, such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound studies. Physicians use these tests to assess kidney function and identify possible obstructions.
Treatment Of Kidney Disease
You could require a combination of blood pressure drugs, such as diuretics commonly called diuretics, beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers, to reach your goal blood pressure of under 130/80 mmHg. You must take your prescription drugs as directed by your physician, notify them right away if you have any adverse effects, and test your blood pressure regularly. It is crucial to see your doctor before quitting any medication since uncontrolled high blood pressure can harm important organs like the heart and kidneys.
Ways to Protect Your Kidneys from High Blood Pressure
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can both stop kidney damage and delay the disease's progression. You can incorporate the following methods to maintain healthy blood pressure and good health for your kidneys:
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Improve your diet to protect your kidneys by cutting back on junk food, sugary snacks, high-sodium meals, and saturated fats. You should also include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, and lean meats in your diet. Reduce your weight to ease your blood pressure and cardiac strain.
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Engage in regular physical exercise; adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
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To preserve your heart and kidneys, unwind with yoga, exercise, or a good book.
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Quit smoking, as it can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise.
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Consult your physician for a blood pressure checkup, lifestyle modifications, and medicine if required.
Conclusion
Knowing that your illness is getting worse despite therapy or finding out that you have chronic renal disease can be upsetting. It's crucial to keep in mind that chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not have a specific course and might differ across individuals. Renal failure never develops in some people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Take charge of your health and start normalising your life with chronic kidney disease (CKD). You may lessen everyday stressors that compromise your health and quality of life by following your doctor's instructions and changing your lifestyle. Manipal Hospitals provides you with a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare to manage all your blood pressure and kidney-related conditions. Book an appointment at our Nephrology Hospital in Mukundapur to map out your ideal treatment. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
If your blood pressure is high, find a comfortable position to lie down and relax with deep breaths. Your heart rate will drop, and the pressure your blood puts on your blood vessels will decrease as you relax. Additionally, meditation could be beneficial. Although this method is not always effective or can only be used as a temporary aid, one should always seek medical attention right after any symptoms appear.
Regular exercise helps decrease blood pressure and enhance general health. Exercise's effects, however, differ from person to person and are influenced by your age, health, level of intensity, and ability to regulate other variables that raise your blood pressure.
Avoid smoking, gaining weight, and overindulging in alcohol and salt if you have high blood pressure, as these things might exacerbate your condition. Managing and lowering stress may also be beneficial.
Regular aerobic or cardio exercise also lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart. A healthy weight can also be maintained by engaging in regular exercise.
Exercises that are aerobic or cardio include:
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Games, like badminton or basketball
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Cycling
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Dancing
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Running and climbing stairs
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Walking and swimming
Dietary changes are one strategy to maintain renal function. A healthy diet can maintain or slow the course of your kidney disease and lessen the strain on your kidneys. In addition to offering advice on what to include and reduce in your diet, a renal dietitian can assist you in making wise decisions about the items you already eat. The dietician can help you manage your chronic renal disease.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), laxatives, and enemas should be avoided. Additionally, different dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins should be avoided. Consult your nephrologist before beginning any new prescription or over-the-counter drug regimen.
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