The term heart disease covers a range of conditions that affect the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. Our kidneys and our cardiovascular systems are closely linked. Kidneys rely on the heart to pump blood properly, so the kidneys can clean the blood and get rid of things our bodies don’t need like extra waste and water.

The heart relies on the kidneys to get rid of all that unneeded stuff, so that our heart doesn’t have to work extra hard pumping extra fluids or wastes that are supposed to leave the body.

Keeping up the health of your heart is good for the health of your kidneys and the reverse is also true. Keeping up with our kidney health, is also good for our heart

What does high blood pressure do to your kidneys?

• Over time high blood pressure can damage the lining of the blood vessels causing less blood flow to the filters and blood vessels of the kidney
• Reduced blood flow also causes damage to other parts of the body such as the heart,eyes and brain

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

• No symptoms
• Headaches
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision

How can you reduce your risk?

• Follow a low salt diet
• Healthy eating to maintain a healthy body weight
• Regular physical activity
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol use
• Get to know your drugs – ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain
• Reduce stress
• Keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood fats under control
• Follow your kidney health care plan

REMEMBER:

• Medications do not cure high blood pressure, but only keep your blood pressure under control
• Never stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first
• Never skip a dose, even if you’re feeling better
• Always speak with your doctor if you have medication side-effects that bother you

More info/references:

• Blood Pressure & Your Kidneys
• MRP Nutrition Heart Health Guidelines
• National Kidney Foundation
• British Heart Foundation
• American Heart Association