ABSTRACT
Conservatively, ten million people in the USA alone may suffer from RH and may be similarly prevalent elsewhere. Given the strong linear correlation between hypertension and cardiovascular outcomes, better control is paramount. We favor a multi-pronged approach. It may not suffice to address this by pharmacologic means only. Careful attention to modifiable risk factors, particularly sodium intake, adhering to a proper diet (i.e. DASH), and avoiding agents, i.e. non-steroidals, that can elevate the blood pressure, is key. Frequent follow up to establish the right treatment regimen and home blood pressuring monitoring can have a strong impact on control. Finally, consideration of device therapy may be a more viable option in the future.
Subject(s)
Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Drug Resistance , Hypertension/therapy , Kidney/blood supply , Baroreflex , Carotid Sinus/physiopathology , Electric Stimulation Therapy/instrumentation , Humans , Hypertension/diagnosis , Hypertension/epidemiology , Hypertension/physiopathology , Implantable Neurostimulators , Protective Factors , Renal Artery/innervation , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Risk Reduction Behavior , Sympathectomy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis is a form or peripheral arterial disease that tends to affect older subjects with hyperlipidemia, history of tobacco use, and who have other coexistent forms of vascular insufficiency. An abdominal bruit on physical exam can be a helpful clue. Slowly progressive, it can lead to critical narrowing of the renal arteries which creates a cascade of events such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation (RAAS), hypertension, acute pulmonary edema, and renal fibrosis. The hypertension is considered a secondary form and can even be resistant to multiple antihypertensives. The diagnosis can be made with imaging (duplex ultrasound CT scans, MRA, or angiography). Because of the unique circulation to the kidney, stenting and angioplasty are rarely curative. This was confirmed in three recent large clinical trials. Therapy consists of lipid and blood pressure control, and dual anti-platelet agents. Because the disease activates the RAAS system, ace inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can be useful agents but carry the risk of ischemic nephropathy, a form of acute kidney injury related to reduced renal blood flow after challenge with these agents. As such these agents are used with caution. Little is known about optimal blood pressure agents or the effect of lifestyle modification.