Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) Overview

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys narrows. These arteries are critical for carrying the oxygen-rich blood to your kidneys, allowing for the efficient discard of waste and excess fluid. Renal disease can worsen over time leading to hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney damage, and in worst case scenario, ultimately kidney failure.

Renal Artery Stenosis Causes

Primarily the cause for RAS is due to the hardening of the arteries, where the arteries become clogged with a plaque made up of fat and cholesterol that cannot exit the body. In rare cases, a condition known as fibromuscular dysplasia can be the cause. In this case, the cells in the walls of the arteries grow abnormally. This condition is more prevalent in women and younger people with hypertension and is potentially curable if treated early.

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Renal Artery Stenosis Risk Factors & Symptoms

Risk Factors Associated with RAS

Development of hypertension before the age of 30
Diet that is high in fat, sodium, and sugar
Diabetes or family history
Female
Heart disease or other vascular disorders
High Cholesterol
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Smoking

Symptoms to Look for In Detecting RAS

Blood pressure that is not controlled with medication
Decrease in kidney function
Retention of fluid
Edema (swelling) in the ankles and feet
Abnormal kidney function
Increased level of protein in your urine

Renal Artery Stenosis Diagnosis

Your medical provider will ask you questions pertaining to your history and perform a physical exam. The answers you provide will allow them to confirm or rule out disease.

Blood and urine test to evaluate kidney function
An ultrasound of the kidney
Doppler ultrasound of the arteries to determine flow
An arteriogram with contrast which provides detailed images of the kidney and vessels
CT angiogram

Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment

Medical management of hypertension or kidney dysfunction is the first recommended treatment protocol in patients with RAS. In addition to anti-hypertensive medications, medical providers may also suggest that the patient take a cholesterol medication and aspirin daily. In some cases, an intervention is needed. The typical procedure would be an angioplasty and stent of the stenosis. This can be done in an outpatient facility, with a minimally invasive technique, using fluoroscopy to place the stent and open the artery to improve kidney function. Finally, a surgical bypass can be performed, but is not common. The surgery will bypass the narrowed or blocked artery to restore proper flow.

Renal Artery Stenosis Prevention

Sometimes the best means of prevention are the most obvious. Choosing to live a heart-healthy lifestyle, including exercise, and elimination of risk factors can be your best defense against RAS.

Renal Artery Stenosis Progression

The progression of RAS can lead to severe kidney damage with symptoms including change in urine output, edema, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, and sudden weight loss. If you are experiencing these changes, see your doctor and be evaluated.

FAQs

What are the causes of Renal Artery Stenosis?

The main cause of renal artery stenosis is atherosclerosis – the buildup of plaque and cholesterol in the blood vessels, which can lead to kidney disease and issues with blood flow to the kidneys.

Are there specific risk factors for Renal Artery Stenosis?

Risk factors for renal artery stenosis include age, being female, high blood pressure, the presence of vascular disease, existing chronic kidney issues (contributing to kidney disease and potentially renal failure), diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.

How do you prevent Renal Artery Stenosis?

The best way to reduce your risk of developing renal artery stenosis is to adopt heart-healthy lifestyle choices and manage controllable risk factors. Communicate with your doctor and be mindful of your body’s signals to potentially prevent progression towards renal failure and to explore treatment for renal artery stenosis if needed.

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) Overview

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS) Overview

Renal Artery Stenosis Causes

Renal Artery Stenosis Risk Factors & Symptoms

Risk Factors Associated with RAS

Symptoms to Look for In Detecting RAS

Renal Artery Stenosis Diagnosis

Renal Artery Stenosis Treatment

Renal Artery Stenosis Prevention

Renal Artery Stenosis Progression

FAQs

You have a choice when it comes to vascular care. Get an appointment at VIC in 1 to 3 days - without a referral!

You have a choice when it comes to vascular care. Get an appointment at VIC in 1 to 3 days - without a referral!

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