General Information About Renal Artery Stenosis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the narrowing of one or both of the main arteries that carry fresh blood and oxygen from the heart to the kidneys, leading to a severe reduction in blood flow to the kidney.
When the kidney cannot receive adequate blood flow due to the narrowed vessel, it sends a false signal to the brain, stating, 'The body's blood pressure has dropped too low, blood is not reaching me.' To compensate, the kidney secretes a hormone called 'Renin', which drastically increases blood pressure. This creates a very dangerous Hypertension that resists even 3-4 different medications.
Renal artery stenosis does not cause pain on its own. The primary symptoms are a sudden onset of high blood pressure at a young age, resistant hypertension that does not drop despite taking more than three blood pressure pills, and an unexplained deterioration in kidney function (creatinine levels).
The blood flow velocity in the renal artery is measured using Color Doppler Ultrasound. The exact degree of stenosis is visualized with Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CT Angiography) or MR Angiography.
If the stenosis is mild, blood pressure is managed solely with specific antihypertensive medications, and the kidneys are monitored. However, if the narrowing is severe enough to cause kidney atrophy (and the blood pressure does not respond to medication), a Groin Angiogram (Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty) is performed. The narrowed vessel is dilated with a balloon, and a metal Stent is inserted to prevent it from closing again.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
