These medications will lower your blood pressure, and in most cases, will need to be taken for the rest of your life. It is important to take any blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed. It can be dangerous to stop or change unless your doctor tells you to. If you experience any side-effects while taking blood pressure medication, report these to your doctor immediately. High blood pressure and kidney disease are closely related.
Hypertension is a common cause of kidney failure in Australia.
One mechanism for this is the production of a hormone called 'renin' by the kidneys. If the kidneys aren't functioning properly, renin can be produced inappropriately, raising the blood pressure. If high blood pressure is left unchecked, it can cause blood vessels in the kidneys to become thickened and narrowed, possibly leading to reduced blood supply and reduced kidney function. Severe uncontrolled blood pressure called 'malignant' hypertension may cause severe or total kidney failure. These effects can be prevented if the blood pressure is brought under control with treatment.