Kidney Korner: Blood Pressure and the Kidneys

Did you know that 1 in 5 adults with Hypertension have Chronic Kidney Disease? More often than not, patients are surprised to learn about the relationship between blood pressure and the kidneys and how closely they are intertwined with one another. Let’s learn more about the two-way relationship between blood pressure and the kidneys to understand this concept a little better. 

What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the pressure of the circulating blood against the walls of the blood vessels. This is the measurement of the amount of force the body is using to get the blood through the arteries. 

What happens when you have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can put a strain on the body over a long period of time. Overtime, uncontrolled or chronic hypertension can cause the arteries around the kidneys to weaken, narrow, or harden. Hypertension can also lead to other complications, like heart diseases or stroke.

How does this affect my kidneys?
Your kidneys are located in the back, just below the ribcage. The kidneys filter blood to remove toxins, keep in good nutrients, and balance fluids.When the blood vessels that supply the kidneys with blood are compromised, the kidneys cannot function properly and become damaged. This damage further hinders the kidney’s ability to filter and function properly, which leads to this vicious cycle. High blood pressure causes kidney damage and kidney damage causes high blood pressure.


What can be done to stop it?
Bodily functions are all connected, so it is important to remember to maintain your overall health and manage other chronic conditions. There are a number of things that can reduce the progression or risk of hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease.

• Manage contributing conditions, like diabetes and heart diseases
  
• Maintain a healthy weight
  
• Eat a balanced diet
  
• Adhere to physician's instructions for medication use
  
• Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption
  
• Regularly follow-up with your Primary Care Physician (PCP), other specialists, and recommended testing
  

Munjal’s Musings:
“What came first: the chicken or the egg? Generally, Chronic Kidney Disease causes hypertension. Hypertension is also liable to come back and worsen the kidney disease. When you help the blood pressure, you help the kidney disease. When you help the kidney disease, you also help the blood pressure. It’s a two way-relationship.”

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your kidney function or blood pressure, call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Munjal. As always, stay safe and healthy!

​