What is renal artery stenosis?
The arteries that carry blood from the heart to the kidneys constrict, a condition known as renal artery stenosis (RAS) or renal artery disease. Your right and left kidneys each have two renal arteries carrying blood. Stenosis can form in either of these arteries. Hypertension (high blood pressure), chronic kidney disease, or kidney failure can all be caused by renal artery stenosis.
Who is at risk for renal artery stenosis?
Renal artery stenosis is most common in those with atherosclerosis. When plaque (a gooey substance primarily composed of fat and cholesterol) accumulates on arterial walls, atherosclerosis begins to form. RAS risk factors include:
- Diabetes.
- A history of cardiovascular disease in the family.
- Elevated blood pressure
- elevated cholesterol.
- Obesity.
- Older age (men, persons born with a male gender preference (AMAB) over 45, and women, people born with a female gender preference (AFAB) over 55).
- Bad diet (high in sodium, fat and sugar).
- Smoking.
What is the relationship between peripheral artery disease and renal artery stenosis?
RAS impact the renal arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. The arteries in your arms and legs that convey blood from your heart are impacted by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Both conditions are typically caused by atherosclerosis. According to kidney stone specialist in Chennai, between 14% and 35% of individuals with PAD also have RAS.
Additionally, studies indicate that people may be more susceptible to PAD if they have chronic kidney disease, which can be brought on by RAS. People who have PAD with chronic kidney disease are more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, limb loss, and other major health issues.
What signs indicate renal artery stenosis?
RAS frequently does not result in symptoms. Problems like elevated blood pressure and impaired kidney function typically only arise as the disease advances. Poor kidney function may cause the following symptoms:
- Uncertainty or difficulties focusing.
- Inability to sleep.
- Edema (swelling due to fluid buildup) (swelling due to fluid buildup).
- Fatigue.
- Headaches.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Muscle pain.
- Vomiting and nauseous.
- Breathing difficulty (dyspnea).
- Skin changes like darker, dry, or itchy skin.
- Unaccounted-for weight loss
- having more or fewer urinations.
Diagnosis of renal artery stenosis:
The best kidney doctor in Chennai occasionally unintentionally identifies and diagnose renal artery stenosis. This indicates that it takes place while treating or diagnosing another illness. Your doctor may run a number of tests if they think you have RAS:
Physical examination: A will check your blood pressure, examine for any limb swelling, and listen to your breathing. To hear the flow of blood via your arteries, they might place a stethoscope next to your kidneys. Blood frequently creates a whooshing sound when it passes through constricted arteries. One of the most prevalent signs of RAS is persistently elevated blood pressure without apparent cause.
Blood and urine tests, often known as kidney function tests, can be used to determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Your kidneys aren’t effectively filtering waste from your blood if your body fluids contain higher than normal quantities of protein, creatinine, nitrogen, and other waste products.
Imaging scans: A range of imaging scans are available to measure the size of your kidneys and the efficiency with which blood reaches them. Your doctor might carry out a magnetic resonance angiogram, duplex ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), or renal scan (MRA).