Hypertensive nephropathy (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nasrin Nikravangolsefid, MD-MPH [2]
Overview
Hypertensive nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged due to high blood pressure for a long time. Finally, it can cause kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
What are the symptoms of Hypertensive nephropathy?
Most of the patients with hypertensive nephropathy have no specific symptoms, although a majority have a history of chronic high blood pressure.
- If high blood pressure left untreated or uncontrolled can accelerate the kidney damage, which leads to failure of the kidneys to work correctly.
Symptoms of kidney failure is similar to chronic kidney disease, including:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- increased or decreased in urine volume
- itchy skin
- dry skin
- Muscle weakness
- swelling of face, arms and legs
- Sleep difficulties
- difficulties in concentration and memory
What causes Hypertensive nephropathy?
- Hypertensive nephropathy develops as a result of high blood pressure for many years.
- High blood pressure is known as the second cause of end stage renal disease.
Who is at highest risk?
Certain conditions increase your risk for hypertensive nephropathy, including:
- high blood pressure for a long time, especially untreated or uncontrolled blood pressure.
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- African Americans
When to seek urgent medical care?
You must make an appointment with the doctor if you have any symptoms and signs listed above. If you have high blood pressure or have other conditions that increase your risk for hypertensive nephropathy, your doctor might do a regular check of your Blood pressure and kidney function with some urine and blood tests.
Diagnosis
An elevated level of protein in the urine test is diagnostic for hypertensive nephropathy. Also, there are abnormalities in the kidney function tests such as Creatinine and GFR which shows kidneys are unable to filter waste materials from your blood.
Treatment options
There are some medications and lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure. At the initial stages, the development of kidney failure can be slowed down.
- Weight loss and decreased intake of salt are important in controlling hypertension.
However, dialysis or kidney transplantation is the only treatment for complete loss of kidney function.
If kidney failure occurs you should change your diet such as
- have a low-protein, low-salt, low-fat diet.
- take Calcium and vitamin D (always talk to your doctor before taking)
There are special medications called phosphate binders, to prevent the rising of phosphorous levels.
Correction of anemia with iron-rich food, iron tablets,erythropoietin, and blood transfusions might be needed.
Where to find medical care for Hypertensive nephropathy?
Directions to Hospitals Treating hypertensive nephropathy
Prevention
Effective actions for the prevention of Hypertensive nephropathy include detecting and controlling hypertension at early stages. Treatment of high blood pressure may delay or prevent progression to hypertensive nephropathy.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, death will occur from the buildup of fluids and waste products in the body. Both of these treatments can have serious risks and consequences. The outcome is different for each person.
Possible complications
- Chronic kidney failure leading to dialysis or kidney transplantation
- heart failure
- fliud retention in lungs
- Stroke
- Coronary artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Anemia
- Brain dysfunction
- Changes in electrolytes such as potassium
- Decreased immune function and increased risk of infections