The two renal arteries carry blood to the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering and removing excess fluid from the body, as well as secreting important hormones. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a condition characterized by the narrowing of one or both of these arteries. This narrowing minimizes blood supply to the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure, high blood pressure, and other problems. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of developing this condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Causes of Stenosis
Step 1. Role of arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis - the accumulation of plaque in one or both renal arteries, leading to narrowing of the walls and their hardening - is the most common cause of renal artery stenosis. This plaque can be due to fat, cholesterol or calcium deposits.
Arteriosclerosis is responsible for 90% of all known cases of RAS
Step 2. Risks associated with fibromuscular dysplasia
Although most cases of renal artery stenosis are caused by arteriosclerosis, some result from fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). FMD is a disease that causes abnormal cell growth in the renal arteries. The consequence is a narrowing of the arteries.
Step 3. Demographic Risk Factors
Age and gender play a major role in the risk of renal artery stenosis.
- In cases of RAS caused by arteriosclerosis, men and people over the age of 50 are at increased risk.
- In causes related to fibromuscular dysplasia, it is up to women and people between 24 and 55.
Step 4. Personal history
As for stenosis caused by arteriosclerosis (which, remember, has a 90% incidence), your medical history can reveal important risk factors. If you have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, obesity, or if someone in your family has one or more of these problems, you are at high risk.
A family history of early heart disease raises the risk of RAS
Step 5. Lifestyle
Arteriosclerosis-related stenosis is notoriously more likely in people who smoke, drink, eat irregularly, and do not exercise.
In particular, a diet high in fat, sodium, sugar and cholesterol greatly increases the risk
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Stenosis
Step 1. Monitor your blood pressure
The first sign of RAS is high blood pressure (hypertension). RAS is just one of many possible causes of hypertension, which should be considered especially if you are at risk, if no one in your family has ever suffered from it, and you don't respond to common medications to lower it. When RAS leads to hypertension, the condition results in renovascular hypertension (RVH).
Blood pressure is measured with two digits separated by a bar (for example 120/80 mm Hg). The first digit represents the systolic pressure and the second, the diastolic. Technically, hypertension is official when the systolic is greater than 140 mm Hg and the diastolic greater than 90 mm Hg
Step 2. Check your kidney function
Aside from hypertension, the other major sign of renal artery stenosis is a decrease in kidney function. Poor kidney function is usually diagnosed by your doctor, but you may notice some signs that your kidneys are not working properly. Eg:
- increased or decreased urine
- headache
- swelling (edema) of the ankles
- fluid retention
- dizziness, tiredness and trouble concentrating
- nausea and vomit
- dry or itchy skin
Step 3. RAS often has no symptoms
Most people with renal artery stenosis don't notice any symptoms until the condition worsens. The best way to diagnose it is to have it checked regularly.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Stenosis
Step 1. Go to the doctor regularly
Get a yearly check-up to make sure your blood pressure and kidneys are normal. Given that most cases of RAS have no symptoms, this simple preventative measure is crucial.
Step 2. Eat right
A healthy diet can decrease the risk of developing renal artery stenosis. Consume lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Eat healthy fats (such as olive, corn, sunflower, and canola oil) in moderation. Also, limit your intake of the following:
- salt and high-sodium products (such as canned foods, salty snacks, and frozen meals)
- foods with a lot of sugar (desserts and baked goods)
- saturated fats (such as those in red meats, whole milk, butter, and lard)
- trans fatty acids (such as those in packaged baked goods, French fries, donuts)
- hydrogenated vegetable oils (such as margarine)
Step 3. Exercise
You don't have to do anything exhausting - a 30-minute walk three or four times a week is enough. Moderate exercise can help you lower your risk of developing RAS.
- Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise routine, especially if you have health problems or are obese.
- If you have a full agenda, you can incorporate your exercises throughout the day, a few minutes at a time: ten minutes on foot during the break, five minutes of running on the spot, etc.
Step 4. Maintain the right weight
A body mass index (BMI) in the optimal range is very important for overall health and will lower the risk of stenosis. Diet and exercise as an example in this article can help you lose or maintain weight, but you should still consult a doctor to find the best and most suitable options for your specific circumstances.
Step 5. Stop smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing RAS, so if you smoke, quit.
The process can be difficult, so consider the variety of products and medications that can help you. Talk to your doctor and seek help from local support groups
Step 6. Limit your alcohol intake
Consuming too much alcohol can increase the risks, so limit yourself to one glass per evening, maximum.
Step 7. Minimize Stress
Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but you can lessen the impact by staying calm, exercising regularly, practicing yoga or tai chi, listening to soothing music, and taking some time to pray or meditate regularly.
