What should you know about renovascular hypertension?

A narrowed kidney artery can reduce the pressure sensed by the kidney. The kidney may then release signals that make blood vessels tighten and encourage the body to retain salt and water. Blood pressure rises as a result. Narrowing may be related to fatty deposits in blood vessels or, less commonly, an abnormality in the artery wall. The condition can affect kidney function as well as the heart and brain when blood pressure remains difficult to control.

Arrange a clinical review if readings remain high despite treatment, rise suddenly, or become difficult to control. A clinician may review your medicines, examine you, check blood and urine, and arrange imaging of the kidney arteries when appropriate. Do not stop blood-pressure medicine without advice. Take readings in the way your clinician recommends and bring the record, medicine list, and details of missed doses to the appointment. Treatment may involve medicine, managing vascular risk factors, or a procedure in selected situations.

Seek emergency help for very high blood pressure with chest pain, severe breathlessness, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, fainting, or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal a problem such as stroke, heart failure, or another emergency and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Ask whether your readings or kidney tests suggest a kidney-artery cause, which tests are suitable, how treatment could affect kidney function, and what symptoms should prompt urgent help.