Blood Pressure & Kidneys
 
Millions of Indians have high blood pressure, but many are unaware they have this disorder. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked. There are usually no signs or symptoms till your pressure is too high. For this reason, it is important to have regular blood pressure check-up, especially if you have a family history or another risk factor for high blood pressure, like diabetes, overweight etc.

Did you know these facts about high blood pressure?

It is called a silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing itIt is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, chronic kidney disease and blindnessControlling it greatly reduces the risk of these complicationsLosing weight, exercising more, stopping smoking and cutting down on salt often help to control blood pressure.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Blood is carried from the heart to all the body’s organs and tissues through vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of these arteries as the heart pumps the blood around the body.

How are high blood pressure and kidney disease related?

Some kidney diseases may cause high blood pressure, but more commonly, high blood pressure may cause kidney disease. It is often a bit like the “chicken and egg syndrome”. It can sometimes be difficult to tell which came first. The kidneys produce a hormone called rennin; this helps to control blood pressure in the body. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, rennin release can be increased, raising the blood pressure.

The working units of the kidneys (called nephrons) or kidney filters are damaged after years of stress from the high pressure. Chronic kidney disease caused by high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. If high blood pressure is controlled, however, your chances of developing chronic kidney disease and other complications can be reduced.

What are the other potential causes of high blood pressure?

The cause of high blood pressure can vary. In 90% of cases, no underlying pathological cause is identified. It may be due to narrowing of the arteries, greater volume of blood or the heart beating faster or more forcefully than it should. This form of high blood pressure is called ‘primary’ or ‘essential’ hypertension. Sometimes high blood pressure is due to a disease or illness. When this is the cause, it is referred to as ‘secondary hypertension’. Treating the disease causing the high blood pressure can help to reduce it. The commonest cause of “secondary hypertension” is chronic kidney disease, like chronic Glomerulanephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, stone disease etc.

Some people are at greater risk of developing hypertension than others. These include older people, people with a family history of hypertension, and people who are overweight. Smoking, high cholesterol, high fat and salt intake, high alcohol intake, and too little exercise can contribute to high blood pressure or make its effects more serious.

High blood pressure can occasionally be caused by an abnormality in an endocrine gland, such as the adrenal gland. These cases are relatively rare and can be cured by treatment of the gland abnormality. Certain drugs, such as birth control pills, decongestants and diet pills can also raise blood pressure. Your doctor can provide advice on these issues.

If I have high blood pressure, what should I do?

If high blood pressure is detected, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes such as:

• Losing excess weight
• Limiting your alcohol intake
• Reducing your fat and salt intake
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking
• Regular practice of relaxation by yoga and meditation 
   

Diverting your mind with entertainment by watching dramas, pictures, music etc.
If changes to your lifestyle do not reduce your blood pressure, or if your blood pressure is high, your doctor will prescribe medications. These medications will lower your blood pressure and in most cases, will need to be taken for the rest of your life. It is important to take any blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed. It can be dangerous to stop or change unless your doctor tells you to. If you experience any side effects while taking blood pressure medication, report these to your doctor immediately.

How can people with high blood pressure help themselves?

• Understand your medication regimen 
• Take your blood pressure medications as prescribed
•  Do not stop taken your medications of your own accord – this can be dangerous
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations with regard to possible lifestyle changes

Ask your doctor if it is suitable for you to take your own blood pressure readings
You and your doctor will need to work together to keep your blood pressure under control. It is important to remember that blood pressure can be controlled and successfully treated. Early detection and long-term treatment are the keys to a longer healthier life by preventing kidney failure.

Regular exercise and good diet low in salt and fats will help.

For more information please consult your family doctor or be in touch with your National Kidney Foundation (India).

Source :National Kidney Foundation (India).
 Link : http://www.nkfi.in/bloodpressure.htm