All the Info about Acute Renal Failure Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is the condition when the blood pressure goes above the normal BP limit. There are different stages to it, and in its late stages, it can develop into a hypertensive condition where there is even the risk of death. Kidneys are an important part of the blood circulation system – they filter blood to remove waste materials and get them out of the body through urine. When kidneys start failing, the blood is not cleaned properly, putting pressure on the blood vessels.
The Connection between Acute Renal Failure and Hypertension
Because the blood circulation system depends on the kidneys to do its job, any failure of these organs leads to increased blood pressure. Kidneys cannot function when the blood pressure remains high continuously. It becomes a cycle where the blood circulation system functions poorly because the kidneys are not functioning optimally, and they malfunction because of high blood pressure. The reason it happens is that the arteries connected to the kidneys become narrow and stiff due to HBP.
The blood vessels develop micro tears on their internal lining; plaque develops on these tears and impedes blood flow, further increasing blood pressure. The hardened, weak, and narrow arteries approaching the kidneys restrict the blood supply to them – it means kidneys do not receive the required amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Nephrons, the filtering system of kidneys, start malfunctioning due to damaged kidney-connected arteries, and in turn, the damaged kidneys start producing unwanted hormones or suffer from fluid buildup, increasing blood pressure.
Hypertensive Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
You will start seeing some symptoms when your kidneys are unable to function at their optimum level. No symptoms appear during the early stages of acute kidney disease, but slowly you will start seeing some of them, which include:
- Swellings in the feet, ankles, and legs
- Swellings in hands or face
- Headache
- Weakness
- Less or more urination than normal
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Appetite loss
- Pain in the chest
- Shortness of breath
If these symptoms are not cured with over-the-counter medications, you should consult a doctor who will recommend some tests to see if the problems are due to kidney failure or high blood pressure.
Is It Possible to Treat Acute Renal Failure Hypertension?
In some cases, it may be possible to lower the blood pressure if it is due to a kidney disease that can be treated. However, if your BP remains high due to any other medical reasons, only treating the kidney issue will not solve the problem.
Try to keep your BP within the acceptable limit. It requires taking BP readings daily and working with your doctor to manage and lower blood pressure. Follow the lifestyle recommendations and take the prescribed medicines on time to treat renal failure hypertension.
Because acute kidney failure is closely associated with HBP, a continued elevated BP will keep damaging the kidneys. There are no ideal BP numbers for those who have chronic kidney disease; only a specialist HBP doctor can help you understand your specific treatment options for hypertension renal failure based on your diagnostic reports, age, and any other health problems.
What Can You Do to Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan. In most cases, you can only manage your BP and keep it within an acceptable limit, which can be achieved by choosing a healthy lifestyle – lowering your salt intake, quitting smoking, stopping or reducing the consumption of alcohol, choosing a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
How to Protect Your Kidneys
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, and choose a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits, and no fat or low-fat dairy items. Regular exercise is recommended for even healthy individuals, so you should not miss it when you have hypertension acute renal failure condition – even 30 minutes of exercise daily can be helpful.
Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. Many OTC drugs can also be damaging to the kidneys. Take anti-inflammatory drugs only when necessary and under the supervision of your doctor. Keep other health problems under control and get them treated in their initial stages so they do not become a big problem later.
Managing acute kidney failure hypertension issues in some cases is possible. High blood pressure does not come with any symptoms, so it is identified only when a patient with this condition goes for a health checkup for any other health issue. Once you have been diagnosed with HBP, you should start following all recommended health and medical steps.
If you’re seeking a tailored treatment plan for hypertension-induced acute kidney failure, the expertise of a specialist in both hypertension and nephrology would be invaluable. A consultation can be booked here for personalized care and guidance.
