Blood travels through the renal arteries to the kidneys. Renal artery stenosis occurs when one or both of these arteries narrow. This reduces blood supply to the affected kidney. If left untreated, renal artery stenosis can cause chronic kidney disease, kidney failure or other complications. The Comprehensive Vascular Clinic at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute provides diagnosis and treatment for renal artery stenosis to Kentuckians in the Bluegrass region and beyond.
Many people with blocked kidney arteries experience other artery blockages. When these other blocked arteries feed the heart or brain, the result can be heart attack or ischemic stroke.
In its early stages, renal artery stenosis often causes no symptoms. As it progresses, it can lead to high blood pressure. When caused by blood flow problems to the kidneys, it is called renovascular hypertension. It may not respond to medicine.
You may also experience a loss in kidney function. As kidney function declines, you may notice:
- Changes in urination habits
- Darkened or dry skin
- Difficulty focusing
- Headaches
- Itchiness or numbness
- Muscle cramps
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep issues
- Swelling in the feet, legs or ankles
- Tiredness
- Unexplainable weight loss
The two main causes of renal artery stenosis are:
- Atherosclerosis: Fats, cholesterol and other substances build in the arteries as a substance known as plaque. Plaque sticks to artery walls, causing the arteries to narrow and harden, which decreases blood flow to the kidneys. Atherosclerosis is the cause of nearly nine out of 10 cases of renal artery stenosis and many types of coronary artery disease, including heart attack.
- Fibromuscular dysplasia: Cells within the artery walls don’t develop properly. This abnormal development causes the blood vessels to bulge or narrow. When this takes place inside the renal arteries, blood flow to the kidneys is reduced.
Though there is no guaranteed way to prevent renal artery stenosis, a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of atherosclerosis, one of its main causes.
To reduce the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, take these steps:
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days a week
- Stop or never start smoking or vaping
- Use medicine as prescribed to manage cholesterol levels
- Work with your healthcare provider to manage other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease
It’s largely unknown what causes fibromuscular dysplasia, one of the two leading causes of renal artery stenosis. The condition affects women most often, but it’s unclear how common it is.
Risk factors for atherosclerosis, the other main cause of renal artery stenosis, are well documented. They include:
- Age (men over 45 and women over 55 are at increased risk)
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease at a young age
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Obesity or being overweight
- Poor diet full of fat, sugar, sodium and cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity
- Smoking
Though renal artery disease worsens over time, proper treatment can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. If you experience symptoms or are at risk, talk to your healthcare provider about diagnostic testing.
In most cases, your first visit to UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is a time of education and introductions. You meet members of your care team and learn about detecting, treating and managing your vascular condition.
Diagnosing vascular disease is a unique process that requires detective work. One of the most important steps toward diagnosis is listening to your story. Your team will ask a lot of questions about your symptoms and medical history. The goal is to gather all the information that can help pinpoint the source of your vascular issue.
Along with discussing your medical history, you will undergo a physical examination. Your care team will then be able to determine the proper next step to take on your diagnostic journey.
When appropriate, your team may prescribe one or more diagnostic tests. These tests typically take place on a different day, and your care team helps schedule them at your convenience. In some cases, you will undergo an ultrasound or other testing as part of your initial visit.
When coming to your first vascular appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early ensures you have time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medications or supplements you take. You should also list any previous surgeries, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you remain relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier for your team to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink normally. In most cases, you won’t undergo imaging or other testing at your first visit. Therefore, there are no dietary restrictions. If specialized testing is part of your first visit, a team member will call to explain any dietary restrictions to follow for your visit. We will also mail you a letter with instructions.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Request a loved one to join you. Bring a family member or friend with you to take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.
Where we are
UK HealthCare Comprehensive Vascular Clinic is located at 740 S. Limestone on the fifth floor, wing D, room L-504.
Where to park
Please park in the parking garage across the street, which is located at 140 Huguelet Drive. For easiest access, drive to the back of the garage and use one of the parking spots reserved for patients of the Comprehensive Vascular Clinic. Once inside, you can access further assistance at the information desk. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Our vascular care experts help residents of Central Kentucky and beyond improve their vascular health every day. To improve the future of treatment and management of vascular conditions, they also participate in clinical trials.
At any given time, our staff engages in trials for new treatments and devices that provide better treatment and management of vascular conditions. By offering access to clinical trials, we provide access to vascular treatment not available at many other facilities.
If you’re a candidate for an ongoing trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you.
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