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Renal Artery Stenosis
Urgent
Renal artery stenosis is narrowing of one or both arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Reduced blood flow can activate mechanisms that raise blood pressure and, in some cases, impair kidney function. The most common causes are atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop difficult-to-control hypertension or declining kidney function.
Body System
Kidneys & Urinary Tract
When to Seek Medical Attention
Renal artery stenosis requires medical assessment because reduced blood flow to the kidneys can contribute to difficult-to-control high blood pressure and declining kidney function. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening blood pressure, worsening kidney function, significant swelling, or reduced urination. Emergency care is needed for severe chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, neurological symptoms, or other signs of a serious cardiovascular complication.
Symptoms
2
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
4
Overview
Renal artery stenosis is narrowing of one or both arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Reduced blood flow can activate mechanisms that raise blood pressure and, in some cases, impair kidney function. The most common causes are atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop difficult-to-control hypertension or declining kidney function.
Symptoms 2
Abdominal Pain
Urinary Retention
Causes 1
Renal artery stenosis is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits and arterial changes narrow the renal artery. It can also result from fibromuscular dysplasia, particularly in younger patients. Less common causes include inflammatory vascular disorders, trauma, compression, or other structural abnormalities. Narrowing reduces kidney blood flow and may activate hormonal mechanisms that increase blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
Risk Factors
Risk factors for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis include older age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Fibromuscular dysplasia is more often associated with women and may occur without the usual cardiovascular risk factors. A history of vascular disease elsewhere in the body can also increase the likelihood of renal artery narrowing.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis involves assessing blood pressure, kidney function, cardiovascular risk factors, and features suggesting renovascular disease. Imaging may include Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography to evaluate renal arteries. In selected circumstances, catheter-based angiography provides detailed visualization. Testing is generally considered when renal artery narrowing is clinically suspected, particularly with difficult-to-control hypertension or unexplained deterioration in kidney function.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis shares many risk factors with cardiovascular disease
Not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a heart-healthy diet can reduce vascular risk
People with established cardiovascular disease should follow recommended medical treatment and monitoring
Fibromuscular dysplasia cannot generally be prevented through lifestyle measures
Prevention Guidance
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis shares many risk factors with cardiovascular disease. Not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a heart-healthy diet can reduce vascular risk. People with established cardiovascular disease should follow recommended medical treatment and monitoring. Fibromuscular dysplasia cannot generally be prevented through lifestyle measures.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 4
Recommended Foods
Low Sodium Diet
Supports blood pressure control.
Fresh Fruits
Support cardiovascular health.
Vegetables
Provide essential nutrients.
Whole Grains
Support vascular health.
Foods to Avoid
Excess Salt
May worsen hypertension.
Trans Fats
May worsen arterial disease.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause.
High blood pressure and kidney dysfunction may occur.
Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography are used.
Yes, medicines and vascular procedures may help.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.