Protecting Your Kidneys and Your Heart
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can also make existing kidney disease worse. When blood pressure remains too high over time, it places extra strain on the tiny blood vessels inside your kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from your body.
Blood pressure medications help lower the pressure inside your kidneys, protect the tiny filtering units called glomeruli, and may help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Many of these medications also help protect your heart and lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Why Blood Pressure Matters
Healthy blood pressure helps protect the delicate blood vessels in your kidneys. Keeping your blood pressure within your healthcare provider’s recommended target can help preserve kidney function, reduce protein loss in the urine, and lower your risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.
Why These Medications Are Prescribed
These Medications May Help:
- Lower high blood pressure
- Protect kidney function
- Reduce protein leaking into the urine
- Slow the progression of chronic kidney disease
- Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Reduce the workload on your heart
Why High Blood Pressure Can Be Dangerous
High blood pressure (hypertension) often causes no symptoms until damage has already occurred. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the kidneys, heart, brain, and blood vessels. It increases the risk of kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and vision problems. Managing your blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your kidneys and your overall health.
Common Blood Pressure Medications
- Lisinopril (Prinivil®, Zestril®)
- Enalapril (Vasotec®)
- Losartan (Cozaar®)
- Valsartan (Diovan®)
These medications work by lowering blood pressure and reducing pressure inside the kidneys. Your healthcare provider will determine which medication is most appropriate based on your kidney function, blood pressure, potassium levels, and overall medical condition.
Possible Side Effects
Most people take these medications without significant problems. However, possible side effects may include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Dry cough (more common with ACE inhibitors)
- Increased potassium levels
- Changes in kidney function that require monitoring
- Fatigue
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Persistent dry cough that becomes bothersome
- Muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat
- Very low or very high blood pressure readings
- Symptoms that become worse instead of improving
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Tips for Taking Your Medications
- Take your blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed.
- Check your blood pressure regularly as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Follow your recommended low-sodium meal plan.
- Keep all scheduled medical appointments and laboratory tests.
- Inform your healthcare team about all medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
- Never stop or change your medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Remember
Controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your kidneys, heart, and overall health. Taking your medications consistently, following a kidney-friendly lifestyle, and working closely with your healthcare team can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and improve your quality of life.
