DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Nephrologic Disease

Renal Artery Stenosis

HIGH SEVERITY

Narrowing of one or both renal arteries reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Causes hypertension that can be difficult to control and can lead to kidney damage. Usually caused by atherosclerosis (older patients) or fibromuscular dysplasia (younger women).

Global Affected

7.0M

Countries

Symptoms

Hypertension (difficult to control)

Sudden onset hypertension

Decreased kidney function

Fluid retention

Swelling

Often asymptomatic

Abdominal bruit

Treatment Options

Blood pressure medications

ACE inhibitors/ARBs

Statins

Antiplatelet agents

Angioplasty and stenting

Surgical revascularization

Risk factor modification

Risk Factors

1Atherosclerosis

2Age >50

3Fibromuscular dysplasia

4Young women (FMD)

5Smoking

6Diabetes

7High cholesterol

8Family history

9Peripheral artery disease

Diagnostic Methods

1Doppler ultrasound
2CT angiography
3MR angiography
4Renal arteriography
5Captopril renography
6Plasma renin activity

Prognosis

Variable. Medical management effective for many. Revascularization benefits selected patients. Can lead to end-stage kidney disease without treatment. Cardiovascular risk high.

Prevention

Blood pressure control
Cholesterol management
Smoking cessation
Diabetes control
Regular exercise
Healthy diet
Aspirin therapy (selected)

Research Status

Medical management (ACE inhibitors, statins, antiplatelets) first-line. Angioplasty with stenting for certain cases. Surgery rarely needed. Optimal medical therapy often equivalent to revascularization in atherosclerotic cases.

Sources

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/renal-artery-stenosis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/renal-artery-stenosis
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/renovascular-disease

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.