Key takeaways
- High blood pressure and kidney disease are closely related, and one condition can lead to the development of the other.
- Symptoms of these conditions include edema, muscle cramping, lack of appetite, nausea, headaches, increased blood pressure, frequent urination, drowsiness, itchy skin, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Treatments involve lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, increasing activity, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress, sometimes combined with medications.
Both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease are common in the United States. you likely know it’s likely you have or know someone with one or both of these conditions.
They are more closely related than many people realize, and having either condition can lead to the development of the other.
During early stage kidney disease or early hypertension, you may not experience any symptoms. But as the conditions progress and become more severe, symptoms may appear. Here are 10 symptoms you may have and what you should do about them if they do materialize.
Swelling, or edema, can occur because damaged kidneys are unable to get rid of extra fluid and salt in the body. Edema is most likely to occur in the legs, feet, and ankles. It can also occur in the hands or face.
You may experience muscle cramps from fluid and electrolyte imbalances from poor kidney filtering. Blood flow problems can also cause people with hypertension and kidney disease to feel muscle cramps.
When the kidneys are not fully functioning, compounds can build up in the body, making you feel too sick, tired, or full to eat. Your sense of taste can also be impaired.
This can all cause a lack of appetite, which can lead to weight loss, too.
As hypertension progresses and increases pressure in arteries throughout the body, you may experience greater pressure in the arteries within the cranium, which can lead to headaches.
Additionally, as toxins build up in the body, it can affect the brain and lead to confusion.
Hypertension and kidney disease can start a cycle where the progression of one condition causes the progression of the other.
Already elevated high blood pressure can continue to rise as poorly functioning kidneys cause the body to retain more fluids.
An increased urge to urinate (especially at nighttime) can be a sign of developing kidney disease.
However, as kidney disease progresses, you may find yourself going to the bathroom less often as the damaged kidneys filter fewer fluids and waste out of the blood.
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Having more toxins in the blood can also make it harder to sleep.
As toxins build up in the body, you may find that you feel itchy or develop a rash. An imbalance of minerals and nutrients in the blood can cause skin discoloration.
Excess liquids in the body can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs. This can make it harder to breathe and result in chest pain.
Additionally, hypertension can lead to arteries becoming less elastic. This can also lead to angina.
If you develop chest pain or shortness of breath, this may be a medical emergency that means you need immediate medical care.
Symptoms and treatments may vary
It’s important to remember that the above-described symptoms and signs of hypertension and kidney disease can vary from person to person.
You may not experience any symptoms, but you may also have more than one symptom at the same time.
All of that can affect the specific treatment options. Make sure to discuss this with your healthcare team.
Hypertension and kidney disease are frequently addressed with lifestyle changes and medications.
Some lifestyle changes your healthcare professional may suggest include:
- reducing or completely eliminating alcohol use
- quitting smoking
- increasing physical activity
- maintaining a moderate weight
- eating a heart-healthy diet filled with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- decreasing the amount of stress in your life
- medications, depending on your conditions and other factors
How to treat hypertension and CKD
You can work with your healthcare team to find a treatment and management plan for both high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.
You can experience a range of symptoms if you have high blood pressure and kidney disease. If you believe that you are showing signs of hypertension or kidney disease, talk with a doctor to get a diagnosis and start treatment.
In many cases, treating the conditions will help relieve some of the symptoms you’re experiencing and improve your overall quality of life.