What is renal artery stenosis?
It is a pathology in which an obstruction or narrowing of one or more arteries that carry blood to the kidneys (renal arteries) is formed. This narrowing of the arteries makes it impossible for the kidneys to obtain normal amounts of oxygen-rich blood.
Symptoms of renal artery stenosis
There are usually no symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced stage. In some cases, the disease is discovered accidentally when tests are performed for other reasons.
When renal artery stenosis progresses, there are some symptoms that may appear:
- High blood pressure that is complicated to treat.
- A whistling sound that occurs when blood flows through a narrower vessel that the doctor can hear with a stethoscope.
- High levels of protein in the urine.
- Impaired renal function during treatment for renal pressure.
- Fluid overload and swelling in body tissues.
- Heart failure that is resistant to treatment.
What are the causes of renal artery stenosis?
Renal artery stenosis can have a variety of causes although the two most common are as follows:
- Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: this is the accumulation of fats, cholesterol and other substances (plaque) inside the arteries and on their walls. When the deposit increases, the accumulation can worsen, reduce blood flow and cause scarring of the kidneys.
- Fibromuscular dysplasia: this is when the muscle of the arterial wall grows abnormally, causing a narrowing.
Can it be prevented?
In some cases it can be prevented if some lifestyle changes are applied, for example:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit salt intake and eat a healthy diet.
- Be physically active.
- Reduce stress.
- Moderate or stop drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Do not smoke.
Not smoking helps prevention.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of renal artery stenosis may vary according to the extent and severity of symptoms. In case it produces renal insufficiency, the second kidney filters and produces urine in the organism. In such a case, surgical repair of the stenosed area is feasible.
Another solution may be to perform balloon angioplasty (a balloon-tipped catheter is introduced through the artery) or stenting through the stenosis as an alternative method to surgery to open the obstructed area.
In some cases, depending on general health and symptoms, only observation is necessary.