Renal artery stenosis and renovascular hypertension:

High blood pressure (hypertension) may be the consequence of renal artery stenosis. The renal artery is the artery that carries blood to the kidney. A stenosis is a partial blockage of this artery. Our kidneys help to regulate our blood pressure. When the artery is partially blocked the kidney is tricked into thinking the blood pressure is low, when in fact, it is only low in the kidney. The kidney then releases renin which triggers the high blood pressure. While this is far from the most common cause of hypertension this is the one cause that can be treated without relying on medications. If we suspect that a patient may have a renal artery blockage we will initially screen this patient with an ultrasound. This can be performed in the office. If the stenosis is significant we will in some cases recommended angiography and intervention with either angioplasty alone or angioplasty in combination with a stent. The plan to treat this condition is frequently made in conjunction with the patient’s nephrologist or cardiologist and primary care physician. The treatment of this problem demands a team approach as there are many factors that can lead to hypertension and these all must be considered and medications adjusted in coordination with physicians that specialize in this area.