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Manage Your PKD By Controlling Your Blood Pressure With These Helpful Tips
Polycystic kidney disease is a chronic health issue that causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to form, causing the kidneys to malfunction. According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 600,000 people in the United States are living with PKD.
Hypertension is another chronic medical issue that only worsens PKD, especially when it's not under control. Blood pressure control is one of the critical components of preventing kidney failure from issues like PKD.
At Metro Renal Associates, our team of three board-certified nephrologists are experts in kidney health, PKD, and hypertension. We offer conservative measures, medications, and lifestyle tips to help you control blood pressure and PKD to prevent kidney disease.
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, is a problem that affects the kidneys, causing multiple fluid-filled sacs to form on the organs. PKD becomes a severe problem when the cysts take over the kidney, decreasing function and causing permanent damage.
PKD often appears in adults over the age of 30 but can happen at any age. High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent signs of PKD. Having high blood pressure along with PKD increases the risk of long-term kidney damage and kidney failure.
Up to 5% of kidney failures happen because of PKD, especially without the proper treatments and lifestyle changes. High blood pressure is typically the first sign of PKD, along with other symptoms, including:
- Abdominal distension
- Back or flank pain
- Frequent kidney infections
- Blood in the urine
- Heart fluttering
If either of your parents is living with PKD, you're at risk for the condition. It's essential to know your risk and evaluate your health to prevent PKD and hypertension from destroying kidney health.
How hypertension affects PDK patients
High blood pressure affects many aspects of health, including kidneys. The increased pressure in the vessels damages the small capillaries and vessels within the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function.
People who've had PKD as kids are especially susceptible to high blood pressure as a complication of the disease, which further damages the kidneys and may lead to early-onset kidney failure.
Controlling your blood pressure is an excellent way to slow the progression of PKD and kidney failure or damage. The less stressed your blood vessels are, the better off your kidneys will be for the long haul.
Tips on managing blood pressure with PKD
If you're living with PKD and hypertension, it's essential to keep your blood pressure down to prevent further damage to the kidneys. While medications help reduce blood pressure, there are other tips we recommend as well, including:
Check your blood pressure daily
The only way to get a good reading on your blood pressure is to check it regularly. If you typically run high, you must check it regularly, daily, or weekly. You can then understand how your blood pressure changes with medications or lifestyle treatments.
Record your BP readings
When you check your blood pressure, keeping an accurate log of the readings is essential. Please bring your blood pressure log to your appointments so we can see how interventions work.
Take your medications as prescribed
Medications are one of the most helpful interventions for blood pressure control, but only when taken correctly. Taking your medicines as we prescribe them is crucial to prevent further kidney damage.
Limit salt intake
Sodium, or salt, leads to water retention, which increases blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it's essential to eat a diet low in sodium to prevent further kidney damage.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is an excellent way to stay healthy and keep your blood pressure down, but you don't have to run a marathon. Simply walking every day, swimming, or biking a few times a week helps keep your heart healthy and fights off chronic disease.
Cut back on caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases blood pressure. Reducing caffeine helps control blood pressure and keep the kidneys healthy.
Quit smoking
Smoking is one of the lifestyle changes you can make to control your blood pressure. Smoking is harmful to your heart, kidneys, and other organs. Quitting smoking is an excellent way to lower your blood pressure naturally.
To find out more options for blood pressure control, don't hesitate to call Metro Renal Associates in Washington, D.C. and Capitol Heights, Maryland, for an appointment or request a consultation using the online booking tool.
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