HYPERTENSION AND CKD

Hypertension, another word for high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer,” because it can cause no symptoms and go undetected for years. As hypertension goes undiagnosed, the delicate linings of the blood vessels are being damaged, particularly those of the heart, the kidneys, and the eyes. Chronic high pressure on the artery walls causes them to expand and become stiff and hard. They lose flexibility and are unable to contract and dilate in order to control blood flow. As hypertension progresses, the walls of capillaries in the glomerulus may actually shrivel up, making it difficult for any blood cells to pass through.

<< | >> Anemia, heart disease, and CKD