Can Kidney Stones Cause High Blood Pressure?

Kidney stones are often associated with intense pain. But they can actually impact your health in other ways. People who have been diagnosed with hypertension may wonder: Can kidney stones cause high blood pressure?

Kidney stones don’t directly cause hypertension. But, they can worsen conditions that affect blood pressure.

How The Kidneys Affect Your Blood Pressure

The kidneys are important organs that perform several critical functions. Their main job is to clear waste and excess water from the bloodstream, which they do by producing urine. The kidneys also help maintain blood pressure by balancing fluids and producing important hormones that control when blood vessels constrict.

When the kidneys function correctly, they allow the blood pressure to stay within a normal range. However, when the kidneys are not functioning correctly, it can lead to fluid and hormonal imbalances. This can increase your blood pressure.

Can Kidney Stones Cause High Blood Pressure

Kidney stones do not necessarily cause high blood pressure, but they can negatively impact it in several ways.

1. Urinary Obstruction: Large kidney stones can sometimes become lodged within the urinary system and obstruct normal urine flow. As the urine backs up into the kidneys, they swell, which impairs normal kidney function and can increase your blood pressure.
   
2. Inflammation: Kidney stones can cause inflammation in the urinary system and throughout the body. Chronic inflammation affects the ability of blood vessels to dilate and constrict, which can contribute to hypertension.
   
3. Recurrent Kidney Stones: People with recurrent kidney stones are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter blood properly. As the kidneys lose their ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes as they should, blood pressure can increase.

How to Manage Kidney Stones and High Blood Pressure

If you have kidney stones and worry about your blood pressure, you can take steps to keep your kidneys and heart healthy.

• Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is the best way to prevent kidney stones. It also lowers your risk of kidney damage, which can cause high blood pressure.
  
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: A healthy, well-balanced diet can also help reduce the risk of kidney stones. If you develop kidney stones, your doctor may suggest eating less salt and meat.
  
• Monitor Blood Pressure: It’s essential to check your blood pressure regularly. Consider purchasing an over-the-counter blood pressure cuff so you can check it quickly at home. If you notice your blood pressure is consistently elevated, consult your doctor.
  
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Lastly, obesity and diabetes can raise your risk of kidney stones and high blood pressure. Properly managing these conditions can decrease your risk of kidney and heart disease.

When to See A Doctor

Although kidney stones do not directly cause high blood pressure, kidney health plays a significant role in keeping it normal. If you have a history of kidney stones and are at risk of high blood pressure, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Don’t continue to worry about kidney stones and high blood pressure – schedule an appointment today!