Renal artery stenosis is when the renal arteries (blood vessels which supply blood to the kidneys) are stenosed or narrowed. This is often a result of atherosclerosis, which is caused due to increased levels of cholesterol in the blood. As it passes through the blood vessels, the fat molecules, because of their heaviness, get sluggish and settle down along the walls. This is known as plaque formation. They attract more fat molecules and the plaque continues to grow in thickness, thereby leading to a reduced diameter of the blood vessels. Over a period of time, the reduced blood supply affects the kidney’s normal functioning, resulting in a chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
The kidneys are involved in the removal of toxins from the body, and hence, perform a very significant function. If they do not function well, then there is slow, but a definite accumulation of toxins within the body. This leads to various other complications, affecting almost the entire body and health. Therefore, it is essential that renal artery stenosis is identified and treated to minimize the effect on one’s health.
There are two aspects to this
This is where surgery comes into the picture. There are three surgical options which are available, and each one of them ensures the renal arteries are restored to their normal functioning.