Did you know that nearly 50% of all Americans have high blood pressure? This statistic is as alarming as it sounds since blood pressure can lead to complications like heart failure, stroke, and aneurysms. Interestingly, many people are unaware that there is a link between high blood pressure and kidney failure.
Understanding the correlation between high BP and kidneys might seem complicated, but it’s not as complex as it seems. Let’s take a look at the relationship between kidney and blood pressure issues and how to manage them.
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What Exactly Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. If this pressure gets too high, it can damage your arteries and lead to serious health problems.
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: Systolic (the top number) is the pressure when your heart beats Diastolic (the bottom number) is the pressure when your heart rests between beats Normal blood pressure is below 120/80.
If your systolic reading is between 120 and 129, and your diastolic reading is below 80, you have elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a systolic reading of 130 or higher, or a diastolic reading of 80 or higher.
What Happens When You Have High Blood Pressure?
Your kidneys play an important role in keeping your blood pressure in check. When your blood pressure is high, your arteries can become damaged and be unable to function properly. Over time, those with high blood pressure may eventually experience issues like heart disease and stroke.
How Is Kidney Failure Defined?
Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a medical condition in which the kidneys no longer function properly. Kidney failure can be caused by several things, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases.
In order to accommodate this condition, patients may require either dialysis or a kidney transplant.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure?
The symptoms of kidney failure can be subtle at first and may include fatigue, swelling in the ankles and feet, and difficulty urinating. As the condition progresses, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
How Can You Prevent High Blood Pressure?
If you have high blood pressure, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing kidney failure.
Regular exercise can go a long way when it comes to keeping your blood pressure in check. The same can be said about maintaining a healthy diet.
Finally, you should make sure to visit your doctor regularly for checkups and blood pressure screenings. By understanding the link between high blood pressure and kidney failure, you can take steps to protect your kidneys and improve your overall health.
How Are These Two Conditions Related?
High blood pressure can cause kidney failure, and kidney failure can cause high blood pressure.
When your kidneys are not functioning properly, they are not able to remove excess sodium and fluid from your body. This can lead to a buildup of these substances in your blood, which raises your blood pressure.
On the other hand, if you have high blood pressure, this can damage the small arteries in your kidneys, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
What Are the Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure?
There are many risk factors for high blood pressure, including obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of hypertension.
People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease are also at a higher risk. Keep this in mind when discussing your health with your doctor.
What Are the Risk Factors For Kidney Failure?
There are many risk factors for kidney failure, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of renal disease.
People of African or Hispanic descent are at a higher risk. Otherwise, you may run into unnecessary complications.
How Can You Prevent Kidney Failure?
There are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing kidney failure. You should maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. You should also avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control. As previously mentioned, you should make sure to visit your doctor regularly for checkups and blood pressure screenings.
It’s possible that high blood pressure doesn’t have any symptoms at all, so it’s especially important to schedule regular doctor visits.
Are There Facilities That Specialize in Treating These Conditions?
Yes, there are many hospitals and clinics that specialize in the treatment of high blood pressure and kidney failure.
These facilities can provide you with the care and support you need to manage your condition. If you are interested in finding a facility near you, you can search online or ask your doctor for a referral.
It’s worth noting that The Kidney Institute Houston Texas is a renowned treatment center for those who are experiencing kidney failure.
High Blood Pressure and Kidney Failure Are Serious Conditions
It’s essential that you keep the above info about high blood pressure and kidney failure in mind so you can avoid issues in the future. If you notice any signs of complications, be sure to reach out to a medical professional as soon as possible.
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