What is the Link Between Hypertension and Kidney Failure?

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to several complications. One of these is kidney failure, which we will discuss in this article.

People with hypertension, or high blood pressure, are always advised to take antihypertensive medications and regularly check their blood pressure. This recommendation is not without reason.

When blood pressure rises, it often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t cause symptoms. Over time, poorly controlled high blood pressure can increase the risk of damage to blood vessels and organs, including the kidneys.

 

The Connection Between Hypertension and the Kidneys
Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter waste products from the blood and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance through urine. If blood flow to the kidneys is disrupted, it will affect kidney function.

“Consistently high blood pressure directed at the kidneys damages the small blood vessels responsible for filtering waste from the body’s metabolism. Imagine a filter that is supposed to trap toxic materials for disposal while retaining essential substances. When the filter is compromised, beneficial substances are lost as well,” explained Dr. Marihot Tambunan, Sp.PD-KGH, an Internal Medicine Specialist and Consultant in Kidney and Hypertension at Tzu Chi Hospital.

Over time, this damage can lead to kidney failure, where the kidneys lose their ability to filter metabolic waste from the body.

 

Does Taking Antihypertensive Medication Cause Kidney Damage?
Dr. Marihot advises people with hypertension not to fear taking antihypertensive medication long-term. Even if blood pressure decreases, the medication should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

“Sometimes people think, ‘Why take medication if my blood pressure is already controlled?’ There’s also a misconception that taking too much medication damages the kidneys. In fact, antihypertensive medication can be taken for life. When you stop taking it, blood pressure control becomes more challenging because the autoregulation system has changed,” he noted.

Hypertensive patients should also regularly check in with their doctor. The doctor will monitor blood pressure and assess the effectiveness of the prescribed antihypertensive medication. With proper hypertension management, complications such as kidney failure can be prevented. Consult with an internal medicine specialist and kidney and hypertension consultant at Tzu Chi Hospital to ensure your health.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Marihot Tambunan, Sp.PD-KGH