How Hypertension Affects Kidney Health and What You Can Do About It
High blood pressure, or hypertension , is more than just a cardiovascular concern—it’s a major threat to your kidneys as well. While it's commonly known for increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, hypertension is also one of the leading causes of kidney disease . Understanding this connection is key to protecting your long-term health. The Link Between Hypertension and Kidney Disease Your kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood. To do this, they rely on a network of blood vessels. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on these vessels, which can cause damage over time. This makes it harder for your kidneys to do their job effectively. In fact, chronic high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure , just behind diabetes. When kidney function declines, waste and fluid build up in the body, leading to a range of health complications. Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure I...