Renal Hypertension Specialists in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka

What is Renal Hypertension?

Renal hypertension, also known as renovascular hypertension, is high blood pressure that results directly from a problem affecting the kidneys, most commonly narrowing of one or both of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys. When blood flow to the kidney is reduced, the kidney interprets this as a sign of low overall blood pressure and responds by releasing hormones that raise blood pressure throughout the body in an effort to restore its own blood supply, inadvertently causing systemic hypertension. This form of secondary hypertension is important to recognise because it often responds poorly to standard blood pressure medications alone and may require a specific procedure to correct the underlying arterial narrowing. Renal hypertension should be suspected when high blood pressure develops suddenly, is difficult to control despite multiple medications, or occurs in younger patients without other typical risk factors. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can significantly improve or even resolve the high blood pressure in appropriate candidates.

Causes of Renal Hypertension

Most commonly caused by narrowing of the renal artery due to atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaques within the artery wall, particularly in older adults with other cardiovascular risk factors. In younger patients, a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia, which causes abnormal growth of the artery wall, is a more common cause of renal artery narrowing. Other kidney conditions that reduce blood flow or damage kidney tissue can also trigger the hormonal changes that lead to renal hypertension.

Symptoms of Renal Hypertension

Difficult-to-control high blood pressure despite multiple medications, sudden onset of high blood pressure, headaches, worsening kidney function over time, a distinctive abdominal sound heard on examination in some cases, swelling in the legs in advanced cases, blurred vision from severe hypertension

Treatment & Types of Renal Hypertension in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Treatment includes standard blood pressure medications, particularly ACE inhibitors or ARBs, though these require careful monitoring since they can sometimes further reduce blood flow to an already compromised kidney. For significant artery narrowing, particularly in younger patients or those with poorly controlled blood pressure despite medication, a procedure to open the narrowed artery using a balloon and stent may be performed. Addressing underlying cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol and smoking is important for atherosclerosis-related cases to prevent further arterial narrowing.

Nephrology Specialists in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka (0)

No specialists listed yet in Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka — browse all doctors instead.

Frequently Asked Questions