How do you manage high blood pressure with CKD?

Understanding high blood pressure and your kidneys

More than half of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause CKD, and CKD can also cause high blood pressure. No matter the cause, high blood pressure can damage your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels, so it’s important to keep it under control.

What Is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls as your heart pumps blood through your body. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when this force becomes too high. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and faster progression of kidney disease.

High blood pressure and your kidneys

Over time, high blood pressure damages your blood vessels and reduces blood supply to your organs, including your kidneys. This causes your kidneys not to function as well and makes it hard for them to remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.

Checking your blood pressure

Blood pressure is checked by using an arm blood pressure cuff. It should be checked every time you visit your doctors. Your doctors might also recommend checking your blood pressure at home and keeping a daily record.

Choosing the right blood pressure cuff

If you check your blood pressure at home, make sure you have an arm blood pressure cuff. Cuffs that go around the wrist, finger, or other sites are not accurate.

Arm blood pressure cuffs come in different sizes. It is important to get the right size cuff for accurate readings. You can figure out your cuff size by measuring your upper arm. Wrap a tape measure around the midpoint and compare that number to a blood pressure cuff size chart.

Managing high blood pressure

Making healthy lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure and support your kidney health. The tips below can help you manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.

Medications for high blood pressure

You may be prescribed medications to help reach your target blood pressure. Common classes of blood pressure medications include:

Because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, it’s important to take your medications exactly as prescribed, even if you feel fine.

Check with your doctor if you’re unsure about your blood pressure medications or before taking any new medicines, even over-the-counter ones. Some cold and flu ingredients, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can raise blood pressure.

When to contact your doctor

• Your blood pressure readings are consistently above your target range.
• You’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, severe headaches, blurred vision, or confusion.
• You’ve started a new medication and are noticing higher blood pressure readings.
• Your blood pressure readings are consistently below 90/60 mmHg and/or you’re experiencing low blood pressure symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience chest pain, vomiting, trouble finding words, slurred speech, or fainting.

We are here to help

Your Interwell Health Care Team can provide education to help you manage your blood pressure. Reach out whenever you have questions or need support.

This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.