In a 2004 issue of the “Annals of Internal Medicine,” Dr. Tien Yin Wong states that 50 million Americans suffer from high blood pressure. It is the second leading cause of kidney disease after diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure happens when the force of blood against the artery walls increases enough to cause damage. Multiple high readings of high blood pressure are required for diagnosis.
Symptoms
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill and don’t have any symptoms, according to the National Institutes for Health.
Test for Kidney Disease
According to the National Kidney Foundation, people with high blood pressure are at increased risk for developing kidney disease and therefore should be tested for kidney disease.
Control
Controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk of kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Untreated high blood pressure damages the kidneys and leads to kidney failure.
Target
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the target blood pressure for patients with kidney disease is less than 130/80 mm Hg.
Treatment
According to the NKF, high blood pressure can often be controlled by losing excess weight, exercising more, not smoking and reducing salt intake. If these lifestyle changes do not control blood pressure, patients may have to take medication.
References
- "Annals of Internal Medicine": Retinal Arteriolar Diameter and Risk for Hypertension; Dr. Tien Yin Wong et al; 2004
- National Kidney Foundation. High Blood Pressure and Your Kidneys
- National Kidney Foundation: K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hypertension and Antihypertensive Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease
- National Institutes of Health: High Blood Pressure
