Another reason to control your blood pressure High blood pressure is a serious threat to your kidneys Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering your blood and keeping your body functioning properly. So it’s important that your kidneys stay healthy. One way to do that is to make sure your blood pressure stays within a normal range. Blood pressure that is too high can cause kidney disease. Blood pressure is the force of your blood as it flows through your blood vessels. When blood pressure is too high, blood vessels stretch so the blood can flow through them more easily. This stretching damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. Kidneys with damaged blood vessels don’t remove wastes and extra fluid through your urine like they should. In turn, the extra fluid that accumulates in blood vessels may cause blood pressure to go even higher, creating a dangerous cycle. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. Symptoms of kidney disease Like high blood pressure, kidney disease does not have symptoms—at least not in its early stages. You may notice swelling in your legs, feet or ankles. This is called edema, and it is caused by a buildup of extra fluid and salt that healthy kidneys would expel. In its later stages, kidney disease may cause: ● Loss of appetite. ● Nausea and vomiting. ● Fatigue and problems sleeping. ● Trouble concentrating. ● Increased or decreased urination. ● Generalized itching or numbness. ● Dry skin. Do you have high blood pressure? If you have high blood pressure, talk to your health care provider about your risk for kidney disease. Your provider might want to do some tests of your urine and maybe a blood test to determine early signs of kidney damage. The best way to avoid or slow progression of kidney disease is to lower your blood pressure. You can do that with medications and also changes in your lifestyle, such as: ● Following a healthy eating plan that includes reducing sodium (salt). ● Getting regular physical activity. Ask your provider what kind and how much activity is safe for you. ● Losing weight if you’re overweight. A loss of 7% to 10% of your body weight can help. ● Quitting smoking if you light up. Smoking damages blood vessels. ● Reducing stress. Exercise can help. Sources: American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health Knowing key numbers—and working to keep them in a healthy range—can add up to better health. Here’s a look at target numbers for most adults. Talk with your doctor about what’s right for you. BLOOD SUGAR Target: A fasting blood sugar of less than 100 mg/dL. BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) Target: 18.5 to 24.9. BLOOD PRESSURE Target: Systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg. Why it matters: High blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. What it is: The force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls. Why it matters: The higher your BMI, the greater your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and certain cancers. What it is: A measure of body fat based on your height and weight. Why it matters: Diabetes occurs—or is poorly managed— when blood sugar levels are too high. What it is: The amount of glucose in your blood. CHOLESTEROL Target: Talk with your doctor about what’s optimal for you. It depends on your overall risk factors. Why it matters: Unhealthy cholesterol levels raise your risk of heart attack and stroke. What it is: A waxy substance produced in the liver and released into the blood. Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force BETTER HEALTH
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