Kidney Disease And High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney disease. It's also a common cause of kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). When we get older, we experience a higher risk of serious health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, and kidney disease. Those of us with hypertension or diabetes have an even higher risk of developing kidney disease. Fortunately, often, it can be prevented.

The reason high blood pressure increases risk of kidney disease is because it can damage blood vessels and filters in the kidney. The kidneys' main function is to filter waste and clean the blood. The damage caused by hypertension makes it difficult for the kidneys to remove waste from the body.

High blood pressure can sometimes be a symptom of kidney disease. Other symptoms include difficulty urinating, a decrease in the amount of urine, and edema, especially in the lower legs. The need to urinate more often is another symptom. Lab tests such as testing the blood for serum Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen can help diagnose kidney disease. Too much of either substance in the blood can mean there is damage to the kidneys.
If you have high blood pressure, there are certain things you can do that will help in preventing kidney disease. First, try to keep your blood pressure below 130/80, and take your medicine properly. Check your blood pressure on a regular basis, and eat right. As with any disorder, see your doctor for proper diagnosis.