Celebrated on May 17, World Hypertension Day raises a global alert about a condition that, despite being common, is still underestimated. Known as the “silent enemy”, high blood pressure, as it is popularly called, can progress without clear symptoms, but cause progressive damage to vital organs, especially the kidneys.

Responsible for filtering the blood and eliminating toxins from the body, the kidneys are highly sensitive organs to changes in blood pressure. Therefore, when overloaded, they can go into irreversible bankruptcy.

Inclusive, a hypertension Blood pressure is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease in the world. Adequate blood pressure control, combined with healthy habits, can avoid serious complications and preserve kidney function over the years.

Next, check out fundamental care for high blood pressure to maintain kidney health!

1. Monitor blood pressure regularly

Frequently measuring blood pressure is the first step to identifying early changes. Many people live with high levels without knowing it, which favors the silent worsening of the condition.

“Hypertension is treacherous because it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t show obvious signs at first, but it slowly compromises the blood vessels in the kidneys. Measure pressure regularly is essential for diagnosis and control”, explains nephrologist Dr. Andrea Pio de Abreu, coordinator of the Arterial Hypertension committee of the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension and scientific advisor in Nephrology of the Brazilian Society of Hypertension.

2. Reduce salt consumption

Excess sodium is one of the main causes of high blood pressure. It favors fluid retention and increases the volume of blood in the arteries, increasing pressure. “A diet rich in salt directly overloads the kidneys, which need to work harder to balance the body’s fluids. Reducing sodium is a simple but extremely effective measure in kidney protection”, advises the specialist.

3. Maintain a balanced diet

Diets rich in ultra-processed foods, fats and sugars contribute to increased blood pressure and the development of metabolic diseases that impact the kidneys. “One food based on natural foods, with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, it helps not only control blood pressure, but also preserve kidney function in the long term”, says Dr. Andrea Pio de Abreu.

4. Practice physical activity regularly

A sedentary lifestyle is an important risk factor for both hypertension and kidney disease. The regular practice of exercises helps control blood pressure and improve blood circulation. “Physical exercise acts as a natural pressure regulator. Furthermore, it improves vascular health as a whole, which directly benefits the kidneys”, highlights the doctor.

5. Avoid the indiscriminate use of medications

Frequent use of anti-inflammatories and other medications without medical advice can harm the kidneys, especially in hypertensive people. “Many medications are potentially toxic to the kidneys when used inappropriately. Patients with hypertension need to be even more careful, as they already have greater renal vulnerability”, he warns.

6. Control associated diseases

Diabetesobesity and high cholesterol are conditions that, combined with hypertension, significantly increase the risk of kidney disease. “When hypertension is associated with other chronic diseases, the risk of kidney damage multiplies. Integrated control of these conditions is essential to avoid complications”, explains the nephrologist.

7. Consult a specialist regularly

Continuous medical monitoring allows you to assess the kidney functionadjust treatments and prevent complications before they become serious. “Periodic evaluation with simple tests can identify early changes in the kidneys. The sooner we detect the problem, the greater the chances of preserving kidney function and preventing progression to failure”, concludes Dr. Andrea Pio de Abreu.

By Sarah Carvalho