On the eve of World Hypertension Day, observed annually on May 17, health experts are sounding the alarm about the long-term impact of high blood pressure, or hypertension, on kidney health. According to experts, around 50 percent of individuals with hypertension are at risk of kidney damage, which may necessitate dialysis or transplantation in the future.
World Hypertension Day aims to raise awareness about this "silent killer," which affects an astounding 188.3 million people in India alone. "Uncontrolled hypertension may narrow, harden or weaken the arteries around the kidneys disturbing the kidney's process of filtering blood, regulating fluid and electrolytes in the body. Hypertension damages the blood vessels and filters in the kidney, and it is challenging to remove waste from the body," L H Suratkal, Nephrologist, at Lilavati Hospital told IANS.
"Unmanaged hypertension causes scarring of kidney tissue kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) leading to negative outcomes and deaths. About 30 per cent of people with hypertension tend to suffer from kidney damage in the long run and may require dialysis or transplantation," he added
Additionally, hypertension is known to impact the heart, brain, and eyes. Contributing factors to the increasing prevalence of hypertension among young Indians aged 15-60 include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, physical inactivity, and stress.
Dr. Ruju Gala, Consultant Nephrologist & Renal Transplant Physician at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, notes an alarming rise in kidney disorder cases: "About 80 to 100 patients come for treatment every month. Of those patients who come for treatment with kidney problems, 50 to 75 per cent are found to have hypertension."
He further explains that hypertension strains the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing nephrosclerosis, where the kidneys harden and their ability to filter waste diminishes. This condition also disrupts the balance of hormones and enzymes that regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the kidneys.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if half of the people with hypertension in India keep blood pressure under control, at least 4.6 million deaths can be averted by 2040.
To manage hypertension and protect kidney health, experts recommend adopting a nutritious diet, reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking and alcohol, and avoiding processed foods. By making these lifestyle changes, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing severe kidney complications due to hypertension.
(with IANS inputs)
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