Blood Pressure Medications Beneficial For Kidney Health

One of the main factors contributing to kidney disease is high blood pressure, sometimes known as hypertension. Many hypertensive patients require medication to decrease their blood pressure, which also slows the course of kidney disease. 


Connection between high blood pressure and kidney disease

Blood arteries narrow due to high blood pressure, which over time may cause damage and weakening. Blood arteries all across the body, including those in the kidneys, are impacted by this.

Kidney function may be hampered by damage to kidney blood vessels, making the organs less able to perform the body's essential function of excreting waste and extra fluid through the urine. This result may set off a vicious cycle whereby additional fluid accumulation in the blood vessels further raises blood pressure.

High blood pressure can seriously harm the kidneys and cause renal failure if left untreated.


High blood pressure medication recommended for kidney health:

There are two categories of medications that reduce blood pressure:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Angiotensin II is a chemical found in the body that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, narrowing the blood vessels. Angiotensin I is the chemical that is produced. ACE inhibitors stop the production of angiotensin II from angiotensin I. This lowers blood pressure by assisting the muscles surrounding the blood vessels to relax and enlarging the blood vessels.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

ARBs prevent angiotensin II from shrinking blood arteries by preventing the muscles surrounding them from contracting. ARBs help to keep blood pressure within a reasonable range by shielding the blood vessels from the effects of angiotensin II.


Other medications:

Potassium-sparing diureticsPotassium-sparing diuretics assist the body in removing excess fluids without losing too much potassium.

Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers reduce how hard the heart has to work by lowering heart rate and blood output. They lower blood pressure as a result.

Alpha-blockers: Relax the artery walls, allowing blood to flow more freely.

Diuretics: These medication help the body remove extra fluid and salt.

Calcium channel blockers: Calcium can cause a greater contraction of the artery walls. Calcium channel blockers help to keep blood vessels open by relaxing them.

Central agonists: Central agonists reduce the amount of blood vessels that contract in order to lower blood pressure.


Making lifestyle choices to help with high blood pressure:

Although medications do assist, it would also be better if you modified your lifestyle to decrease blood pressure and preserve your kidneys.

Some examples of actions people may do are as follows:

Staying physically active: 

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, which should raise the heart rate and breathing rate. They can exercise in a variety of ways, including brisk walking, cycling, and running.

Caffeine use should be limited: 

Caffeine may be dangerous if taken for an extended period of time or at dosages greater than 400 mg per day. Caffeine has been linked to sleeplessness, anxiousness, restlessness, nausea, elevated heart rate, and other negative side effects.

Maintain a nutritious, well-balanced diet:

 A healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) plan, can aid in blood pressure reduction. The DASH diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting red meat, added sweets, and fatty meals.

Quit smoking or prevent secondhand smoke: 

Smoking destroys blood vessels and raises the risk of hypertension. People who smoke can consult with a healthcare practitioner about quitting.

Avoid consuming too much alcohol:

Two drinks (two 12-ounce portions of beer, two 5-ounce servings of wine, or two 1.5-ounce servings of "hard" liquor) a day for men. Women are allowed one alcoholic beverage each day.

Here are some ways to protect the kidneys: 13 ways to keep kidneys healthy


One of the most effective strategies to prevent or decrease kidney damage is to treat excessive blood pressure. People can collaborate with a healthcare practitioner to develop a treatment plan.

Changes in lifestyle and medicine can help decrease blood pressure and protect the kidneys.