 Show OverviewLong-term (chronic) kidney disease happens when the kidneys cannot remove waste and keep your body's fluids and chemicals in balance. Usually, the kidneys remove waste from the blood through the urine. When the kidneys are not working well, waste can build up so much that it poisons the body. Kidney disease can make you very tired. It also can cause swelling, or edema, in your legs or other areas of your body. High blood pressure is one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease. And kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure. No matter which came first, having high blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to lower it. There are many things you can do to lower your blood pressure, which may help slow or stop the damage to your kidneys. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. How can you care for yourself at home?
When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter U486 in the search box to learn more about "Kidney Disease and High Blood Pressure: Care Instructions". What is acute kidney failure? Acute kidney failure happens when your kidneys suddenly lose the ability to eliminate excess salts, fluids, and waste materials from the blood. This elimination is the core of your kidneys’ main function. Body fluids can rise to dangerous levels when kidneys lose their filtering ability. The condition will also cause electrolytes and waste material to accumulate in your body, which can also be life-threatening. Acute kidney failure is also called acute kidney injury or acute renal failure. It’s common in people who are already in the hospital. It may develop rapidly over a few hours. It can also develop over a few days to weeks. People who are critically ill and need intensive care have the highest risk of developing acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure can be life-threatening and requires intensive treatment. However, it may be reversible. If you’re in good health otherwise, recovery is possible. The chances of acquiring acute kidney failure are greater if you’re an older person or if you have any of the following long-term health problems:
If you’re ill or being treated in a hospital’s intensive care unit, you’re at an extremely high risk for acute kidney failure. Being the recipient of heart surgery, abdominal surgery, or a bone marrow transplant can also increase your risk. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your acute kidney failure. The goal is to restore normal kidney function. Preventing fluids and wastes from building up in your body while your kidneys recover is important. In the majority of cases, a kidney specialist called a “nephrologist” makes an evaluation. DietYour doctor will restrict your diet and the amount of liquids you eat and drink. This will reduce the buildup of toxins that the kidneys would normally eliminate. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in protein, salt, and potassium is usually recommended. MedicationsYour doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent any infections that occur at the same time. Diuretics may help your kidneys eliminate fluid. Calcium and insulin can help you avoid dangerous increases in your blood potassium levels. DialysisYou may need dialysis, but it’s not always necessary, and it will likely only be temporary. Dialysis involves diverting blood out of your body into a machine that filters out waste. The clean blood then returns to your body. If your potassium levels are dangerously high, dialysis can save your life. Dialysis is necessary if there are changes in your mental status or if you stop urinating. You may also need dialysis if you develop pericarditis or inflammation of the heart. Dialysis can help eliminate nitrogen waste products from your body. Preventing and treating illnesses that can lead to acute kidney failure is the best method for avoiding the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, having a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a sensible diet can help to prevent kidney failure. Work with your doctor to manage existing medical conditions that could lead to acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure can be a life-threatening illness. Chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease can develop. There’s a greater risk of death if kidney failure is caused by severe infection, trauma, or surgery. The following can also increase the risk of death:
With proper treatment and diligence, your chances of recovery are good. Seek immediate and regular medical care for acute kidney failure, and ask your doctor questions about what you can do to heal faster. What kidney problems cause high blood pressure?Renal hypertension (or renovascular hypertension) is high blood pressure caused by the narrowing of your arteries that carry blood to your kidneys. It is also sometimes called renal artery stenosis. Because your kidneys are not getting enough blood, they react by making a hormone that makes your blood pressure rise.
What happens when a kidney is injured?When an injury is more severe, the kidney may be cut or torn (lacerated), and urine and blood may leak into the surrounding tissue. Sometimes a blood clot forms around the kidney. If the kidney is torn from its attachment to blood vessels, bleeding may be profuse, resulting in shock or death.
How does high blood pressure damage kidneys quizlet?Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue. Damaged kidney arteries don't filter blood well. Kidneys have small, finger-like nephrons that filter your blood.
How is kidney function related to blood pressure?The kidneys help to control blood pressure by removing water and salt from the blood, as well as producing hormones that are involved in controlling blood pressure.
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