The body can be silently harmed by high blood pressure (hypertension) for years before symptoms appear. An inability to work, a poor quality of life, or even a fatal heart attack or stroke can be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.
To reduce the risk of life-threatening complications, high blood pressure can be controlled through treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Others cause severe damage to the arteries, heart, brain, eyes and even sexual health, but kidney damage can cause ripple effects on all of these organs.
Healthy blood arteries are needed for the kidneys to filter out excess fluid and waste from the blood. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and kidneys. High blood pressure and diabetes together can increase the risk.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause the arteries around the kidneys to become more constricted, fragile, or stiff. The kidney tissue does not get enough blood from these damaged arteries. Let us find out how high blood pressure can affect the kidneys.
1. Kidney arteries do not filter blood effectively
Your blood is filtered by small, finger-like kidney structures called nephrons. The tiniest blood vessel, which is the nephron’s blood supply, are tiny capillaries that resemble hairs. The nephron does not receive vital oxygen and nutrients when the arteries are compromised. Thus the kidneys become less effective at filtering the blood and controlling body fluids, hormones, acids, and salts.
2. Kidneys fail to control blood pressure
Aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that aids in the regulation of blood pressure, affects healthy kidneys. Kidney failure and uncontrolled high blood pressure together create a vicious cycle. The kidneys eventually fail when more arteries become blocked and stop working.
Also read: Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure? Reduce heart failure risk with lifestyle changes
Control your blood pressure to protect your kidneys. Renal failure related to hypertension is a cumulative process that can take years to manifest. However, by controlling your blood pressure, you can reduce that risk starting today.
Also read: Causes Of High Blood Sugar: 7 Surprising, Daily Things That Can Raise Your Insulin Levels
(Disclaimer: The article is based on general information. Zee News does not confirm this.)