What is Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS)? Find out!

Renal Artery Stenosis is a condition that refers to the narrowing of one or both the renal arteries. The renal arteries carry blood from the aorta to the kidneys. Narrowing of these arteries prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the kidneys. Normally, your kidneys require adequate blood flow to filter excess fluids and wastes but reduced or poor blood flow can increase your blood pressure and damage the kidney tissues.

What are the causes of RAS?

About 90% of all cases of Renal Artery Stenosis results from atherosclerosis. This is a condition where plaque – a sticky substance made of calcium, cholesterol, fat, and other deposits found in the blood – accumulates in the inner walls of the renal arteries. Due to this, the arteries become hard, narrow, and clogged.

In other cases, RAS may be caused due to fibromuscular dysplasia. This refers to the abnormal growth or development of cells on the walls of the renal arteries. The condition can lead to narrowing of the blood vessels.

Who is at risk of RAS?

People at risk of atherosclerosis and fibromuscular dysplasia are more likely to develop Renal Artery Stenosis. The risk factors include –

• High levels of blood pressure

• Elevated cholesterol levels

• Insulin resistance

• Smoking

• Being obese or overweight

• Diabetes

• Being physically inactive

• Poor diet

• Family history of cardiovascular diseases

• Age and gender – men over 45 years and women over 55 years of age are prone to RAS

Signs and Symptoms

Most often, Renal Artery Stenosis does not cause any symptoms until the condition has reached an advanced stage. Your doctor may suspect a problem if –

• Your blood pressure sharply increases or worsens all of a sudden

• High blood pressure sets in before 30 years or after 50 years of age

As the condition progresses, the patient may experience the following signs –

• High levels of blood pressure that is difficult to treat

• Reduced kidney function

• Fluid retention

• Swelling particularly in the feet and ankles, and rarely on the face and hands

• An increase in the proteins in urine

• Tiredness or drowsiness

• Numbness or itchiness

• Headaches

• Dry skin

• Loss of appetite and weight

• Vomiting and nausea

• Darkening of the skin

• Muscle cramps

• Trouble concentrating

• Sleep problems

If you encounter any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your healthcare provider and get tested for RAS.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To determine if these symptoms are an indication of Renal Artery Stenosis, your healthcare provider may perform a thorough physical examination or use other diagnostic methods like ultrasound and imaging tests.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor may prescribe specific medications, typically beta-blockers and diuretics to treat the condition. In the worst scenario, surgery and stenting procedures may be recommended. Besides, he/she may suggest certain lifestyle changes – healthy eating and regular exercising – as part of the treatment plan.

If left untreated, Renal Artery Stenosis can lead to complications, such as chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms early and seeking proper treatment is crucial to avoid related problems.