How hypertension affects the kidneys
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 27 2010
Q: How does hypertension cause chronic kidney failure?
A: Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure damages blood vessels. Diseased blood vessels are unable to deliver blood effectively to vital organs such as the kidneys. Without enough blood, tissue dies. When enough tissue is lost, the affected organ no longer can function at full capacity. As more tissue dies, function continues to decline. With intervention, loss of function can be stopped or slowed.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, blood vessel, Blood vessels, chronic kidney failure, diseased blood vessels, hypertension, kidney failure, kidneys, Medical Conditions, vital organsKidney function and high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 12 2010
Q: At my last blood test my kidney function was 40 which concerned my doctor. She sent me to a nephrologist who said I needed a second blood pressure med to get it down since the high blood pressure was hurting the kidneys. My doctor is having me try the Resperate instead of the 2nd med and my blood pressure has already come down considerably over 3 weeks. Will I be able to raise my kidney function numbers by keeping it down, or will this just help stop the numbers from getting worse?
A: It is possible your kidney function will improve with control of your blood pressure. However, once your kidneys have been damaged, you should not expect function to return to completely normal.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high blood pressure, kidneys, Medical Conditions, nephrologist, normal kidney function, RESPeRATEACE inhibitor and kidney function
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: I just had my blood screening and my potassium is 5.2 mmol/l. It exceeds the normal range 3.5-5.0 mmol/l. My doctor prescribed Perindopril Erbumine 4 mg/per day for me. Does the increased potassium in my blood affect my kidneys?
A: The drug you are on is used to treat high blood pressure. It is in the category known as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. The drug can cause an increase in blood potassium levels and hurt the kidneys. Since your doctor is checking your blood levels, it is likely your kidney function is being closely monitored. You should discuss this further with your doctor.
Tags: ace inhibitor, angiotensin converting enzyme, blood potassium levels, high blood pressure, kidney function, kidneys, perindopril, Perindopril Erbumine, potassium, Taking BP Meds
