Things You Need to Know About Blood Pressure | Part 2 | Connection Between Kidneys & Blood Pressure
May 20, 2019 | Abigail Mckay

Things You Need to Know About Blood Pressure | Part 2 | Connection Between Kidneys & Blood Pressure

 

 

Many people believe that the heart is solely responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. However, the body is an intricate collection of systems continually working together to keep your body running appropriately. The kidneys, two small bean-shaped organs, are of vital importance in regards to blood pressure stabilization. However, many people are entirely unaware of their influence beyond their principal role of filtering electrolytes and creating urine. 

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Things You Need to Know About Blood Pressure | Part 1 | Basics of Hypertension

As stated previously, the kidneys are tasked with the role of creating urine, but they also aid in blood pressure control and electrolyte stability.  They help your body maintain the proper balance of electrolytes by filtering out the unneeded components through the urine and recycling the needed components back into the bloodstream.  When there is excess sodium or salt in the body, there will be excess water because salt holds onto water.  The water will be pulled into the bloodstream, which will increase the blood volume that the heart must pump thus increasing blood pressure.

Another way that the kidneys help control blood pressure is through hormones. Blood pressure is regulated by the kidneys through the activation of a hormone-based system called renin-angiotensin system or RAS. When there is a reduction of blood flow through the arteries supplying the kidneys, the hormone renin is created and released by the kidneys into the bloodstream. Renin assists in the conversion of angiotensin into angiotensin I. In the lungs, this compound is then converted into angiotensin II through a molecule called angiotensin-converting enzyme or ACE.  Angiotensin II binds to blood vessels causing the constriction of the vessels leading to an increase in blood pressure. The increased blood pressure, in turn, will increase the blood flow to the kidneys. However, if the arteries supplying the kidneys are narrowed due to untreated hypertension, they will think that their blood supply is limited.  If the kidneys believe the blood supply is limited, it will initiate RAS, which will only continue to increase the blood pressure unnecessarily.

 

So, why is it important to control your blood pressure other than the fact it can contribute to life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack and stroke? 

 

•   It is of critical importance because the kidneys will help to lower blood volume by releasing excess water, which helps lower blood pressure.

   Also, the kidneys control the activation of the RAS, which when operating appropriately can help regulate blood pressure. 

   However, when the kidneys are affected by untreated hypertension, the RAS can quickly alter from a system that aids blood pressure to a system that negatively increases already elevated blood pressure.

 

When you strive to manage your hypertension adequately, you protect the kidneys allowing them to thrive so get tested with Blood Pressure Lab Test Package from top laboratories of Pakistan at the comfort of home or consult with best American hypertension/blood pressure specialist doctor in Pakistan only at Shifa4U. Call us 042-111-748-748 or whatsapp +92 324 7443248

 

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Abigail Mckay

Abigail has been a nurse for five years, and throughout her time as a nurse, she has worked in multiple medical-surgical units as well as spent time in the infusion therapy clinic and endoscopy lab. She is passionate about preventative medicine through patient education regarding nutrition and exercise. Due to her passion, Abigail has gone on to earn two certifications including a certification in medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and a certification in holistic nursing (HNB-BC), in hopes of being able to better serve her patients. Abigail earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and now bettering patient education in the healthcare system through partnering with American TelePhysicians.