Chronic Kidney Disease & Hypertension

More than 50% percent of people suffering from CKD, also have hypertension. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is both a common cause of high blood pressure and also a complication of uncontrolled high blood pressure. It’s a complex relationship.In this article we take a look at both these health conditions, how they’re related, & their treatment & prevention.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys have been damaged by conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or glomerulonephritis. As a result, the kidneys aren’t able to perform their functions leading to multiple other complications in the body.

What is High Blood Pressure or Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries & veins as your heart pumps blood around your body. If this pressure becomes too high, you are said to have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

How Are They Related?

• High blood pressure is a leading cause of CKD. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout your body. This reduces the blood supply to important organs like the kidneys. High blood pressure also damages the tiny filtering units in your kidneys. As a result, the kidneys may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from your blood. The extra fluid in your blood vessels may build up and raise blood pressure even more.?
• High blood pressure can also be a complication of CKD. Your kidneys play a key role in keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range. Diseased kidneys are less able to help regulate blood pressure. As a result, blood pressure increases.

Symptoms Of CKD

Sometimes people with CKD may not feel ill or notice any symptoms at all. Although some of the signs may include;

• Swollen legs & feet
• Muscle cramping at night
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue & weakness
• Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
• Too much, or no urination
• Dry, itchy skin

Symptoms Of Hypertension

Nearly 1/3rd of people who have hypertension don't know about it. It doesn't show any symptoms unless it’s extremely high. Some of these symptoms include;

Treatment And Prevention

If a person is diagnosed with both CKD & Hypertension, the main goals of the treatment plan would be to keep the blood pressure under control, protection against a heart disease & preventing any further damage to the kidneys. Along with medication, the individual would be introduced to several diet and lifestyle changes too like;

Monitoring Kidney Health & Blood Sugar Levels

Urine samples directly reflect on kidney health since they are responsible for the production of urine. Any anomaly in the kidneys; and it will immediately be seen in your urine, which is why urinalysis and urine dipstick tests are the way to go, to monitor renal health.?

Early detection of kidney diseases can be life-saving.

Neodocs Wellness Cards offer a smartphone based home test that helps you monitor your kidney health and blood sugar level in the comfort of your home by measuring kidney related urine parameters like creatinine, protein, and calcium along with urine glucose levels.