Renal (Kidney) Vascular Conditions
Renal artery disease occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys narrow, most often from plaque buildup. Because the kidneys depend on steady blood flow to filter waste and help regulate blood pressure, reduced flow can lead to hard-to-control high blood pressure and gradual loss of kidney function. We also care for patients who need reliable, long-term dialysis access.
What Causes Renal Vascular Conditions?
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup at the opening of the renal arteries, the most common cause in adults over 50.
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia: Abnormal growth within the artery wall that narrows the vessel, more common in younger women.
- Diabetes: Long-term elevated blood glucose that damages small and large blood vessels.
- High Blood Pressure: Chronic pressure that stiffens and narrows the renal arteries.
- Smoking: Tobacco use that accelerates plaque formation throughout the arterial system.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Blood pressure that stays high despite several medications
- High blood pressure that begins suddenly or before age 30 or after age 55
- Worsening kidney function shown on routine blood work
- Fluid retention, leg swelling, or episodes of sudden shortness of breath
- Often no symptoms at all until detected on imaging or lab testing
How Can Renal Vascular Disease Be Prevented?
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar within the goals set by your physician.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Follow a lower-sodium diet and stay well hydrated.
- Have kidney function and blood pressure checked at regular intervals.
What Are the Treatments?
- Duplex Ultrasound Evaluation: Non-invasive imaging in our office to measure blood flow through the renal arteries.
- Medical Management: Blood pressure medication, cholesterol control, and close monitoring of kidney function.
- Angioplasty & Stenting: Catheter-based widening of a narrowed renal artery to restore blood flow.
- Renal Artery Bypass: Surgical rerouting of blood flow around a severely blocked renal artery.
- Dialysis Access Procedures: Creation and maintenance of AV fistulas and grafts for patients requiring hemodialysis.
If your blood pressure is difficult to control or your kidney function is declining, schedule a vascular evaluation at Vascular Surgery & Vein Care Center in Orlando, Florida.
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Most treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurance plans.