Renovascular hypertension is a type of high blood pressure caused by a narrowing of the arteries that connect to the kidneys. It is treatable by diet and exercise in the beginning stages. The Mayo Clinic reports that continued high blood pressure of this type can cause permanent kidney damage. It begins with fats, which clog the arteries leading to the kidneys, causing the arteries to harden as a result of thickened arterial walls.
Blood Pressure
Increased elevation of blood pressure is one symptom and may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a heart attack, aortic dissection and rupture. A dull headache, nose bleeds and dizzy spells may indicate a life-threatening illness related to this disease, reports the Mayo Clinic. The person may complain of not feeling well, substantiated by an increasing blood pressure. Weakness on one side of the body may occur. This indicates a serious medical problem that needs immediate emergency treatment.
Medication Failure
Although a doctor may have increased the type and dose of antihypertensive medications to lower blood pressure, still the pressure rises. Blood pressure medications that have brought down the pressure in the past may no longer have a therapeutic affect on this type of secondary hypertension. Severe high blood pressure, also known as severe hypertension, is considered above 180/110, notes the Mayo Clinic. Along with the blood pressure rising, renal failure may occur at this point. The person's feet will become increased in size, and the hands and face may become puffy with fluid buildup.
Heart Failure
Heart failure can occur due to the lack of circulation of fluids by the kidneys. Kidneys clean the blood and remove toxins from the body, so when they do not function properly, they cause systemic problems. The person will complain of shortness of breath and will need emergency room care and treatment.
Differences in Kidneys
Differences in sizes between the two kidneys can occur because of the different pressures within the separate connecting arteries of the kidneys. Each kidney then functions differently on its own within the renal vascular system.
