Renal Artery Disease

The renal arteries supply blood to the kidneys. When they become partially or completely blocked kidney failure and/or high blood pressure may occur. Renal artery blockage is the most common cause of secondary high blood pressure.

What puts you at risk for renal artery blockage?

• Tobacco use
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol level
• Being overweight
• Personal history of PVD

What are the signs and symptoms of renal artery blockage?

• Blood pressure not controlled by diet, exercise and medication
• Suddenly uncontrolled high blood pressure
• New onset of high blood pressure particularly in a younger person
• Renal artery bruit (noise heard over the abdomen that your doctor can hear with a stethoscope)

How is renal artery blockage diagnosed?

• History and physical exam
• Renal artery ultrasound
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Arteriogram/Angiogram

How is renal artery blockage treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the degree and type of blockage but may include:

• Medical management
• Risk factor reduction
• Medication
• Stent
• Surgery