Condition & Symptoms of Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis involves a narrowing of the arteries which carry blood from the heart to the kidneys for filtering. This restriction can lead to a type of high blood pressure called renovascular hypertension and to impaired kidney function.

Primary Cause

• Most renal artery stenosis cases are caused by atherosclerosis, the accumulation of cholesterol deposits in the lining of the arteries.

Risk Factors

• Atherosclerosis risk factors include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders or a family history of cardiovascular disease. Renal artery stenosis is most common in men between 50 and 70 years of age.

Effects

• When one renal artery is narrowed, the kidney tends to shrink (atrophy). This condition, called ischemic nephropathy, can be seen on an ultrasound. When both renal arteries are narrowed, this results in impaired kidney function or kidney failure.

Initial Symptoms

• Most people with renal artery stenosis do not have symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Some people may experience pain in the calf muscles when walking, indicating impaired circulation.

Blood Pressure Symptoms

• Blood pressure symptoms are frequently the first sign of renal artery stenosis. There may be sudden worsening of previously-controlled blood pressure, or new onset of hypertension in a person over age 55. Additionally, high blood pressure which is very difficult to control is a symptom of renal artery stenosis.

Kidney Symptoms

• When kidneys become impaired, wastes and extra fluid builds up in the blood, a condition known as uremia. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea and swelling in the abdomen and legs.