KIDNEYS IN HYPERTENSION
Kidneys is made of millions of nephrons (filter like structures) basically purifies the blood and regulates the blood pressure and the levels of electrolytes by excreating excess fluid along with impurities
High blood pressure (also referred to as HBP, or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels (carries the blood), is consistently too high.
Kidneys and your circulatory system depend on each other for good health. When the blood vessels become damaged, the nephrons that filter your blood don’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function well. This is why high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is the second leading cause of kidney failure. Where the first leading cause is diabetes.
Damaged kidney arteries do not filter blood well
Blood pressure can damage the arteries. Damaged arteries carries less blood, nephrons do not receive the essential oxygen and nutrients — and the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood and regulate the fluid, hormones, acids and salts in the body.
Damaged kidneys fail to regulate blood pressure. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called aldosterone to regulate blood pressure. As more arteries become blocked the kidneys eventually fail, thus the kidneys no more can produce this hormone to regulate the blood pressure
Kidney failure due to high blood pressure is a cumulative process that can take years to develop. But, you can limit your risk by managing your blood pressure.
Prevention:
- Balanced and healthy diet
- Physical fitness
- Being at a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol and smoking
- Managing emotional and mental health
SOURCE: American Heart Association