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Contents
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Symptoms and Diagnosis
  • Treatment Options

Unilateral Renal Artery Stenosis: What You Need to Know

Unilateral Renal Artery Stenosis: What You Need to Know

The Big Picture

Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. When it affects only one kidney, it's called unilateral renal artery stenosis. This condition can lead to high blood pressure and kidney problems if left untreated.
Contents
  • Causes and Risk Factors
  • Symptoms and Diagnosis
  • Treatment Options

Causes and Risk Factors

The two main causes of unilateral renal artery stenosis are atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, typically affects older adults, especially those over 45. Fibromuscular dysplasia, on the other hand, is more common in younger women under 50. Risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Many people with unilateral renal artery stenosis don't have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include high blood pressure that's difficult to control, unexplained kidney problems, or heart failure. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. These tests can show the narrowing of the renal artery and help doctors determine the severity of the condition.
Unilateral renal artery stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the artery supplying blood to one kidney, potentially leading to high blood pressure and kidney problems if untreated.

Treatment Options

Treatment for unilateral renal artery stenosis aims to improve blood flow to the affected kidney and control blood pressure. Options include medications, such as blood pressure drugs, and procedures to open the narrowed artery. These procedures may involve angioplasty (inflating a tiny balloon in the artery) and stenting (placing a small tube to keep the artery open). In some cases, surgery may be necessary to bypass the narrowed section of the artery.

FAQs

Is renal artery stenosis curable?

While not curable, it's manageable with proper treatment.

Can diet affect renal artery stenosis?

A heart-healthy diet may help prevent worsening of the condition.

How common is unilateral renal artery stenosis?

It's relatively common in older adults with high blood pressure.

Key Takeaways

Early detection and proper management of unilateral renal artery stenosis can help prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Concerned about your risk for renal artery stenosis? Talk to Doctronic, the AI doctor, to learn more about your personal risk factors and potential next steps.
Additional References
  1. Safian RD, Textor SC. Renal-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med 2001; 344:431.
  2. Cooper CJ, Murphy TP, Cutlip DE, et al. Stenting and medical therapy for atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:13.
  3. Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 71:e127.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.