Getting To Know Hypertensive Nephropathy
Hypertensive nephropathy is also called hypertensive nephrosclerosis or hypertensive renal disease. It refers to a medical abnormality that is characterized by damage to the kidney which is caused by chronic or frequently recurring high blood pressure. Hypertensive nephropathy is categorized into two conditions: the benign nephrosclerosis and malignant nephrosclerosis. Most patients who suffer benign nephrosclerosis are aged 60 and above. While cases of malignant nephrosclerosis can only be found in rarely 1 – 5 % of hypertensive patients.
The influential factors of hypertensive nephropathy are very common. In the first form, hypertension history and diabetic condition of either Type 1 or Type 2 may risk a patient of having such condition. In the case of malignant nephrosclerosis, patients with a background of diastolic pressure increase of above 130 mmHg are potential patients of hypertensive nephropathy. This type of hypertension is also commonly diagnosed among male people, African Americans and previous occurrence of renal diseases.
As a result of benign nephrosclerosis, the kidney receives accumulation of hyaline, a pink, amorphous, homogenous material, in the walls of small arteries. This will result to the thickening of the walls and the narrowing of the lumens. Eventually, this will give a patient harder time to urinate. But renal failure in benign nephrosclerosis is rarely observed. However, patients suffering this type of hypertensive nephropathy will most likely bear difficulties during surgical operations.
Patients who experienced malignant nephrosclerosis will have high chances of kidney preservation. In a study, 75% were able to survive more than five years in the duration of the disease. This type of hypertensive nephropathy requires earlier and immediate treatment that will result to increased chances of renal function recovery.
In order for a patient to know if he has hypertensive nephropathy, a regular check up with his doctor is essential. Blood tests and urine samples are checked for irregularities.
Anti-hypertensive agents are very useful in treating these two types of hypertensive nephropathy. The main purpose is to get rid of the stimulus that hastens the kidney damage.
To combat malignant nephropathy, a patient must achieve the reduction of his blood pressure to an ideal of 120/80. Anti-hypertensive drugs that aggressively lower hypertension help lower the disease’s damaging effects to the renal organs. Doctors often recommend admission to hospital for close observation and intake of intravenous drugs.
Among the drugs that treat hypertensive nephropathy are hydralazine hydrochloride, spironolactone, amiloride hydrochloride, hydrochlorothiazide, frusemide, bendrofluazine, amiloride hydrochloride and chlorthalidone.
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