Radiation affects normal cells by preventing growth in bone, soft tissues and muscles. Adults who had radiation therapy to one side of the body during childhood may have less fat, muscle, and other soft tissues on the irradiated side of the body. This difference, called asymmetry, may become more noticeable with weight gain. Maintaining normal weight will make this problem less noticeable. The kidney help regulate blood pressure.
Blood pressure is a measure of the push of blood against the walls of the arteries.
High blood pressure is unhealthy because it can lead to heart disease, hardening of the arteries and stroke. Any adult who has had radiation to the kidney may be at greater risk for high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure does not usually have any noticeable symptoms , it is important to have your blood pressure checked several times each year. This can be done at your doctor's office or, perhaps at your place of employment. You can help keep your blood pressure normal by keeping your weight normal, exercising moderately and reducing salt use.