High blood pressure and your kidneys

Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD
3 min read · Leer en español

In briefHigh blood pressure and kidney disease feed each other. Pressure damages the kidneys, and damaged kidneys raise the pressure. Breaking that cycle is one of the most important things we do together.

A two-way street

The kidneys control blood pressure by balancing salt, water and hormones. Years of high pressure scar the small blood vessels in the kidneys. As the kidneys weaken, they hold on to more salt and water, and pressure climbs further.

Your target

For many people with kidney disease, the goal is below 130/80, and sometimes lower. Your personal target depends on your age, other conditions and how you tolerate treatment, so we set it together.

Measuring it right at home

• Sit quietly for 5 minutes, back supported and feet flat
• Rest your arm at heart level, with the cuff on bare skin
• Avoid caffeine, smoking and exercise for 30 minutes before
• Take two readings a minute apart, morning and evening, for a week before your visit
• Use a validated upper-arm cuff in the right size

What lowers it

• Less salt: the single most effective food change
• Regular movement, even walking
• A healthy weight and limited alcohol
• Treating sleep apnea if you have it
• Medicines chosen to protect the kidneys, adjusted at the lowest effective number of pills