Hypertension

Severe Stenosis of renal artery
  • Sever stenosis of renal artery

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can be caused by blockages in the arteries to the kidneys. The kidneys are like the thermostat of the body, except it controls blood pressure. If the kidneys think the blood pressure is low, it produces hormones that raise blood pressure. This is what happens when there is a blockage in the artery to the kidney. The kidney responds to the low blood pressure (actually caused by the blockage), by raising blood pressure, which causes hypertension. People with atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, are at risk for renal artery stenosis and hypertension. The typical patient with this form of hypertension is an older person who has coronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease in the legs. If you smoke or have high cholesterol, you may be at risk. The good news is that this is one of the most treatable causes of high blood pressure.


Build up of plaque, narrowing in renal artery

  • Build up of plauqe, narrowing in renal artery

Using minimally invasive techniques, the physicians of VITA use small catheters inserted from the groin, into the clogged kidney artery. The artery is opened using angioplasty and stenting, resulting in improved blood flow in the kidney, and lower blood pressure in the body. Most people who undergo this procedure either have marked improvement in their blood pressure with less medication, or have totally normal blood pressure with no medication. It is usually performed with one night hospital stay.