Hypertension is a common cause of renovascular disease. The disease can affect the way blood flows in your kidneys and worsen your blood pressure, leading to secondary hypertension.
Renovascular disease (RVD) is an umbrella term for conditions that affect the way your blood flows through your kidneys.
RVDs have several possible causes. One of the most common causes is high blood pressure (hypertension). Once hypertension affects your kidneys, it can decrease blood vessel function and subsequently worsen your blood pressure.
If you have RVD, it’s important to consider its links with hypertension. Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of this serious condition.
While increased blood pressure can contribute to RVD, having renal (kidney) problems can also lead to hypertension. This is also known as renovascular hypertension (RVH). In fact, RVD is a
Hypertension develops when the amount of force from your blood against your blood vessels is too high. This can affect all areas of your body, including your kidneys.
Over time, hypertension weakens and narrows blood vessels, which can decrease blood flow.
When your kidneys are affected, they cannot perform normal functions such as waste and excess fluid removal through your urinary system. Waste and excess fluid can then build up in your kidneys and raise your blood pressure even further.
One common type of RVD is renal artery stenosis (RAS). It develops when
Hypertension is one common cause of RVD. That’s because high blood pressure can damage and weaken blood vessels, which can weaken the kidneys’ function and raise blood pressure even further.
Other risk factors for RVD development
- atherosclerosis
- fibromuscular dysplasia
- being over the
age of 65 - history of long-term smoking
Although RVD is sometimes asymptomatic, meaning it may not cause noticeable symptoms, it can cause:
- flank pain
- nausea and vomiting
- swelling
- decreased kidney function
Extremely high blood pressure may cause the following symptoms:
- headaches
- blurred vision
- nausea and vomiting
RVD is typically diagnosed with imaging tests of your kidneys. These may include:
- CT scan
- magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a test that provides 3D images of the area being investigated
- renal arteriography, which involves injecting a contrast material into your blood vessels so they show up on X-rays
- ultrasound
In some cases, a healthcare professional may conduct additional lab tests, including urinalysis or blood tests, to rule out other conditions.
Treatment depends on the type of RVD and underlying cause.
For RAS, you might be prescribed medications to help dilate narrowing vessels. Options include:
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- calcium channel blockers
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (these medications can be used for people with RVD caused by renal artery stenosis; they cannot be used for those who develop acute kidney injury)
Certain lifestyle changes might also be recommended, such as:
- following a low sodium diet
- getting moderate exercise several days a week
- quitting smoking
If you have RVD that doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes and medications, or you’ve developed an acute kidney injury (a sudden decline in kidney function), a doctor may recommend an angioplasty or stent placement surgery.
The cycle of hypertension and renovascular disease and subsequent increased blood pressure can eventually lead to permanent blood vessel damage and kidney failure.
If you have RVH, you may also be at risk of other complications related to elevated blood pressure,
Also, while blood pressure-lowering medications may be used to treat renovascular disease, RAS is
Since RVD may not cause symptoms in its early stages and hypertension is asymptomatic, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for regular blood tests for early detection, especially if you have any of the risk factors.
Renovascular disease (RVD) and hypertension can go hand in hand. While elevated blood pressure is one possible contributor to renovascular disease development, having RVD can also lead to secondary hypertension or RVH.
Like RVD, RVH is considered a serious condition. Treatment and lifestyle changes are required to help lower your blood pressure and prevent further kidney damage. Left untreated, kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke are all possible complications.
Talk with a doctor if you’re concerned about your personal risk of developing RVH or if you’re experiencing possible signs of advanced kidney disease. They can help determine the next appropriate steps to reduce further health consequences.