Managing Renal Artery Stenosis in Central California

Renal artery stenosis describes the narrowing of the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your kidneys. The condition can disrupt normal blood flow, leading to reduced kidney function and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Many people live with renal artery stenosis in Central California without realizing it. Find a Doctor at Dignity Health Central California who can talk to you about your risks for developing renal artery stenosis.

 

Recognizing Renal Artery Stenosis Symptoms

In most cases, renal artery stenosis does not cause any noticeable symptoms. Your doctor may notice signs of the condition during an exam or a diagnostic test for another vascular problem.

Renal artery stenosis is one of many potential causes of high blood pressure. The condition may be responsible for your hypertension if you fall into one of these risk groups: 

  • Developed high blood pressure after turning 50
  • Blood pressure increased significantly
  • No family history of hypertension
  • No improvement with typical hypertension medication

Left untreated for a long time, renal artery stenosis can decrease kidney function. As a result, you may experience signs of kidney failure, such as muscle cramps, increased or decreased urination, and loss of appetite, among many other symptoms.

 

What Causes Renal Artery Stenosis?

Renal artery stenosis shares the same underlying cause with coronary artery disease: the buildup of sticky, waxy plaque on artery walls. Plaque buildup narrows the opening of the artery, and causes artery walls to stiffen. These effects conspire to reduce the flow of blood to your kidneys.

In rare cases, renal artery stenosis can be caused by fibromuscular dysplasia — a condition that causes cells in the artery walls to grow abnormally and results in the narrowing of the artery opening.

 

Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment at Dignity Health Central California

Our treatment strategies for renal artery stenosis focus on slowing the disease, reducing or removing artery blockages, and lowering blood pressure. The condition may be best managed with a combination of treatments. Your doctor will discuss with you the best approach to treatment for your specific case. 

You may lower your risk for developing renal artery stenosis with a heart-healthy lifestyle and proper management of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Dignity Health’s board-certified cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeons offer high-quality, personal care to our Central California communities. Learn more about heart care services for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions at:

Dignity Health Central California provides personalized treatment options for the management of renal artery stenosis in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.