Hypertension And Kidney Failure: Learn To Take Better Care Of Yourself

Did you know that hypertension is one of the worst enemies for our kidneys ? It is that silent ailment that we do not perceive and that, little by little, causes damage until it produces, for example, kidney failure.

That is why it is convenient to have frequent medical check-ups to measure pressure. High blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control it. Your doctor will likely recommend some lifestyle changes, as well as medications to lower blood pressure.

In our space, we want to indicate some strategies that could contribute to achieving an adequate blood pressure that allows you to have a better quality of life. However, remember that a visit to the doctor is essential.

How does hypertension damage the kidneys?

The relationship is very easy to understand. However, the real problem is that we hardly ever pay much attention to our blood pressure, until we notice the first symptoms. Sometimes even when it’s too late.

So keep this information in mind to understand how hypertension and kidney failure are related. Take note:

• High blood pressure makes our hearts work harder. Over time, if left unchecked, it can cause the arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken, or harden. These damaged arteries are unable to supply enough blood to kidney tissue.

• One of the greatest risks is that the blood vessels of the kidneys suffer damage, with which, we would stop adequately filtering the blood. In this way, waste and fluids would accumulate in our body.

• This excess fluid causes the blood vessels to suffer even more and, consequently, increases the blood pressure. All this leads us to a really dangerous cycle for our health that can end up causing serious consequences.

Symptoms of kidney failure

Unfortunately, once we begin to show signs of kidney failure, we will have to undergo continuous check-ups to try to control the function of our kidneys, because this problem is not reversible.

People with chronic kidney failure are at high risk of having to undergo dialysis  and, consequently, a transplant.

It is a very serious problem that is worth preventing and that requires us not only to control our hypertension regularly, but also to take care of our diet and our lifestyle habits.

Now, how can you know that your kidneys are losing their functionality? We present below the most common symptoms:

• Feeling very tired throughout the day.
• Have swollen feet and ankles.
• Being very sensitive to cold.
• The color of urine is very yellow.
• Feeling very hard and swollen abdomen.

The clearest indicator will undoubtedly be a urinalysis. People with kidney failure have a very high creatinine level. You may be wondering what creatinine is. It is a waste product formed by the breakdown of muscle cells.

When the kidneys work well, creatinine passes from the blood into the urine to be eliminated from the body normally, but if our kidney function is not doing well, then this waste product accumulates. It is therefore a very clear indicator of the insufficiency that is discovered by means of a urinalysis.

How to take care of blood pressure?

Now that we are clear that it is vital to take care of our blood pressure to avoid possible kidney failure, take note of the tips you should follow to take proper care of yourself:

1. Avoid gaining weight. Stay at a suitable weight for your height and age.
2. A balanced and healthy diet is also important. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, especially green vegetables and all those fruits that are diuretic such as pineapple, pears, grapes, blueberries.
3. Avoid completely the consumption of salt, eliminate sodium from your meals, as well as sugar or processed white flours.
4. Get at least half an hour of exercise a day, but try to make it a moderate exercise that forces you to activate your heart and your blood circulation. You can, for example, go for a half hour walk, bike ride, swim or even sign up for dance classes.
5. If you are a smoker, quit this dangerous habit today.
6. Try taking vitamin D supplements , it is very suitable for kidney health.
7. Try not to overindulge in medications or, at least, not take more than those prescribed by your doctor since, in general, they are not well processed by the liver and kidneys.
8. Take care of your stressful situations and try to lead a balanced life where you properly manage your emotions. As you already know, stress is a direct trigger of blood pressure that we must keep well controlled.

Finally, never forget to get regular check-ups to control both your hypertension and your kidney health. If you wish, you can always buy a blood pressure monitor and monitor your blood pressure levels yourself at home. Take care of your hypertension to avoid kidney failure.