Understand Kidney (Renal) Artery Disease

Kidney (or renal) artery disease is one way that cardiovascular disease affects the system that distributes blood throughout your body. When fatty deposits called plaque build up in the arteries that supply blood throughout the body, it is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can eventually narrow and block the arteries, restricting or blocking the flow of the blood. When atherosclerosis clogs up the arteries leading to the kidneys (the renal arteries), it causes kidney artery disease, which is also known as renal artery stenosis (RAS), renovascular disease, renovascular hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. No matter what you call it, kidney artery disease can have very serious consequences if it is not discovered in time, especially for patients who have high blood pressure, heart failure and other conditions that can put stress on the kidneys. If you or someone you love is at risk, learn more about this condition now, and talk with your doctor.