Renal Artery Disease

Treating Cardiovascular Diseases in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois

Renal artery disease, also known as renal artery stenosis, is a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the kidneys become stiff and narrow. This prevents the kidneys from receiving the blood flow necessary to function properly.

Renal Artery Stenosis Symptoms

Symptoms of renal artery stenosis can include high blood pressure that cannot be controlled by medications and lifestyle changes. Other renal artery disease symptomscan include fluid retention or congestive heart failure. In severe cases, renal artery stenosis can lead to kidney failure, which may include weakness, shortness of breath and fatigue. In some cases, renal artery disease may be asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t cause symptoms.

Renal Artery Disease Causes and Risks

Renal artery disease is most often caused when plaque builds up in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Many of the risks that lead to atherlsclerosis are the same as those for renal artery disease, which include:

  • Diabetes
  • Family history of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease or renal artery disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that disrupts cell growth in your nervous system
  • Over age 50
  • Smoking

Diagnosing Renal Artery Disease

Renal artery disease can be diagnosed with non-invasive testing, such as:

  • CAT scan (CT or CTA)
  • Duplex ultrasound
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or MRA)
  • Nuclear medicine testing, such as a captopril renal scan

 You may also have an invasive test such as a renal angiogram.

Renal Artery Disease Treatment 

It is important for you to have your renal artery disease treated. Without treatment, the disease can progress and lead to kidney failure.

Treatment options include:

  • Interventional procedures, such as renal angioplasty or renal stenting
  • Lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, getting more exercise and eating a low-sodium/low fat-diet
  • Medications to control high blood pressure
  • Surgery, such renal endarterectomy or renal bypass

Find a Doctor for Renal Artery Disease Treatment

Aurora Health Care has an experienced team of specialists that includes nephrologists, cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons and other vascular specialists who will work with you to determine the best treatment for your renal artery disease.

Aurora doctors are conveniently located throughout eastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois. Find a doctor or heart specialist near you. To get a second opinion or if you need assistance finding a provider, please call 888-649-6892.