Hypertension and Kidney Health

A bidirectional relationship.

- Dr. Suchismita Bhuyan

Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD). Elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a decline in their ability to filter waste from the bloodstream effectively. Over time, this damage can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), about 1 in 3 adults with high blood pressure will develop kidney disease in their lifetime. High blood pressure puts extra strain on the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering about 50 gallons of blood each day. Prolonged hypertension can cause the small blood vessels in the kidneys to narrow, weaken, or even rupture, which impairs kidney function. The kidneys then struggle to regulate fluid balance, electrolytes, and waste products, leading to an accumulation of harmful substances in the body. This crea