Renovascular hypertension

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Hypertensive kidney

Renovascular hypertension (high blood pressure) is caused by narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys.

Renal hypertension; Hypertension - renovascular

Renovascular hypertension is a form of secondary hypertension. Most forms of hypertension are considered "essential," and the cause is unknown. But a small number of high blood pressure patients have "secondary hypertension," which means an underlying disease is identified as the cause.

During renovascular hypertension, one or both of the kidney arteries become narrow. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and the affected kidney or kidneys mistakenly respond as if the patient's blood pressure is low. They secrete hormones that tell the body to retain salt and water. This causes an increase in blood pressure.

Many different diseases can cause narrowing of the renal arteries. Renal artery stenosis is one of the most common.

Review Date: 06/13/2005
Reviewed By: Nader Najafian, M.D., Associate Physician, Renal Division, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Instructor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.