Hypertension which is also known as High blood pressure (HBP) is the second leading cause of kidney failure after diabetes. High Blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to work properly. If the kidney’s blood vessels are damaged, they may stop removing wastes and extra fluid from the body. This extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.
When the kidney cannot get rid of extra fluid and salt swelling can occur. Edema (Swelling) can occur in the legs, feet or ankles and less often in the hands or face.
The factors which increase the chances of having hypertension are:
- Age
- Ethnicity
- Size and weight
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Existing health conditions
- Physical inactivity
- A salt-rich diet associated with processed and fatty foods