High blood pressure can be caused by a number of reasons. Most of the reasons are quite known and sound rather familiar. However, there are still others that are not as common. Among such uncommon blood pressure causes, one is kidney problem. In fact, kidneys have an important role to play in maintaining blood pressure.
It is a cause of worry when the flow of blood to one of the kidneys is somehow reduced. The kidneys, in response to this reduction in the blood flow, release a hormone called ‘angiotensin.’ This constricts the blood vessels and the blood pressure shoots up.
This kidney problem is better understood when the way angiotensin is made is understood. Produced by angiotensinogen, it is an alpha-2-globulin released by the liver, and around 453 amino acids go into its making.
When the blood pressure is low, renin produces angiotensin I, which turns into angiotensin II. It is the presence of angiotensin II that makes the blood pressure rise. Arteries constrict due to angiotensin II, besides blood clots are also promoted due to platelets aggression, which promotes blood clots.
Angiotensin II is also responsible for increase in kidneys’ sodium absorption. This further worsens the blood pressure condition. It is basically an attempt on body’s part to increase the blood flow to kidney. And when the body succeeds, which it makes sure it does, you see your blood pressure reading skyrocket.
Apart from the above-mentioned ailment, there is another kind of kidney problem leading to high blood pressure. This normally afflicts the younger people, like the teenagers. It is called renovascular hypertension. It is caused when the renal arteries leading to the kidneys get narrow naturally. The renin is, thus, released and the above-mentioned cycle leading to high blood pressure is set in motion.
That was the problem part. Coming to the solution part, we all tend to pin our hopes to medication and so when things start going wrong with our blood pressure we rush to the nearest chemist. That is not the right thing to do. It is the doctor that you must consult and take the medication only when he prescribes and only those that he asks you to take.
Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/kidney-problem-can-also-cause-high-blood-pressure-122787.html
2 comments ↓
Kidney Stones & High Blood Pressure?
My Dad has kidney stones (genetic) and now has a problem with high blood pressure and I’ve heard that the stones can cause high bp. I’m really worried as I can tell there’s something wrong but no one will tell me what’s happening. Can this be fatal and should I be worried? Also if it is fatal what are the chances of me donating my kidney and that fixing the problem? Please help I am so worried about my Dad and would do anything to help him.
Ok thank you for your reply , it definately helps knowing that it's not fatal. My Dad has been dealing with kidney stones for most of his life and has been in hospital many times to have operations to fix the problem. I'm just concerned because it's got to the stage now where my Dads partner is crying in the bedroom over it and won't tell me any details. I'm 21 years old by the way so I don't know if that's still too young to donate, but by what you've said it sounds like it's probably not serious enough yet to have to get to that stage. Thank you for your advice I appreciate it.
There is a saying ‘settle petal’.. You are clearly a beaufiful daughter and your Dad would not want you to be this upset.
As far as I know you cannot die from kidney stones. They may, note I said MAY, end up been very painful depending on the the size.
They might not be ‘telling you anything’ becasue they may not have much information themselves. Dad and mum may just not be that worried.
High blood pressure can be managed with drugs. Your job is to hound Dad to get the proper medication for high blood pressure and then to make sure he takes it – and GOES FOR REVIEWS.
You are probably too young to donate a kidney – also your dad is not even on dialysis – if you have one kideny working fine you can live happily with that. Kideny stones do NOT cause kidney failure
Is there a Kidney Foundation (like Cancer Foundation) where you can ring up and ask questions in your State or Terroritory
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