User:Mr. Ibrahem/Renal artery stenosis

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the narrowing of one or both of the arteries to the kidneys. Early on there are typically no symptoms, while later high blood pressure or kidney problems may occur. The blood pressure may be difficult to treat. Complications may include chronic kidney disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.

About 90% of cases are due to atherosclerosis. Other causes include fibromuscular dysplasia, vasculitis, AAA, and arterial dissection. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, inactivity, and family history. Diagnosis is generally by ultrasound or CT scan.

Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Medications used may include ACE inhibitors. Often multiple blood pressure medications; however, are required. If this is not sufficient angioplasty or endarterectomy may be performed.

Of the 50 million cases of high blood pressure in the United States about 0.5 to 5 million are due to RAS. RAS due to atherosclerosis generally occurs in males older than 45 and females older than 55 while fibromuscular dysplasia is most common in women 25 to 50 years old. The condition was first described in 1777 by Respinger.