Renovascular Hypertension
Renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure caused by the
hardening and thickening of the arteries that supply blood to the kidney.
What is going on in the body?
Arteries are tubes called blood vessels through which blood flows. Healthy
arteries are smooth so that blood can flow through them easily. Over time,
arteries become rough and fatty substances called plaque start to build up.
This narrows the arteries, and blocks the normal flow of blood to the kidneys.
The kidneys respond by releasing substances to increase the flow of blood. The
kidneys also begin to retain salt and water. This will continue until normal
blood flow resumes.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
These people have a greater risk of developing renovascular hypertension:
anyone with peripheral vascular disease, which is a condition that affects
the small blood vessels
smokers
anyone with diabetes, a disease in which the body cannot make insulin,
so sugar builds up in the blood and urine
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