Renal Vascular Disease

The arteries supplying blood to your kidneys are called the renal arteries.  Renal vascular disease occurs when the renal arteries become narrow or obstructed.  When blood flow to the kidney is restricted the kidney may release increased amounts of a powerful hormone called renin.  This may cause a particularly severe form of hypertension which can cause heart failure or stroke. Renal vascular disease may also cause kidney failure resulting in the need for hemodialysis.

There are often no symptoms of renal vascular disease until late.  Symptoms may include headache or blood in the urine. The abrupt onset of hypertension or hypertension that is difficult to control and requires multiple drugs suggests renal vascular disease.  The loss of kidney function or sudden onset of heart failure may also be the result of renal vascular disease.

Stenting

Most renal artery blockages requiring an intervention are treated by placing a small balloon through the groin artery and threading it into the renal artery where the balloon is inflated, widening the narrow portion of the renal artery.   An expandable mesh coil or stent is inserted to keep the artery open.

Surgery

In most cases of renal artery stenosis, stenting is the preferred option though in some cases an open surgical procedure such as a bypass of the obstructed segment may be the best treatment.

The management of renal artery aneurysms is complex. Both surgical and catheter based therapies are used for this condition.

Medical Management

Most cases of renal vascular disease are managed with medical therapy.  Your physician may prescribe antihypertensive medication for blood pressure control and medication to lower your cholesterol.  Interventional therapy for renal vascular disease is reserved for blockages which are affecting kidney function or making blood pressure control difficult.