Blood Supply to the Kidneys - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Cardiovascular System > Cardiovascular System of the Lower Torso > Blood Supply to the Kidneys Blood Supply to the Kidneys Providing a constant supply of oxygenated blood to the kidneys is one of the most vital functions of the circulatory system. Despite their relatively small size, the kidneys receive about 20% of the heart’s blood output for filtration. The kidneys’ function is dependent on a constant blood supply, so interruptions in the blood flow to the kidneys may result in tissue death and loss of kidney function. Anatomy Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Kidney Blood Filtration Full Blood Supply to the Kidneys Description [Continued from above] . . . In the abdomen, the renal arteries branch from the abdominal aorta inferior to the superior mesenteric artery and extend laterally toward the kidneys. Just before reaching the kidney, each renal artery divides into five segmental arteries, which provide blood to the various regions of the kidney.

Each segmental artery enters the hilus of the kidney and divides into several interlobar arteries, which pass through the renal columns between the renal pyramids and carry blood toward the exterior of the kidney. At the junction between the renal cortex and renal medulla, the interlobar arteries form the arcuate arteries, which turn to follow the contours of the renal pyramids. From the arcuate arteries several branches, known as interlobular arteries, separate at right angles and extend through the renal cortex toward the exterior of the kidney. Each interlobular artery forms several afferent arterioles, which end in a bed of capillaries known as glomeruli where blood is filtered to form urine. Physiology Kidney function is highly dependent upon sufficient blood pressure in the glomeruli. The arteries and arterioles that provide blood flow to the kidneys must maintain sufficient blood flow to keep the tissues of the kidneys alive and also maintain sufficient blood pressure to allow wastes to be separated from the blood. Interruption of the blood flow through one of the segmental arteries or their branches results in kidney infarction, where kidney tissue dies and ceases to function. Interruption of the blood flow to the entire kidney results in kidney failure.

While it is possible to survive with only one functional kidney, loss of both kidneys requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to filter wastes from the blood. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Renal Artery Stenosis | NIDDK Renal Artery Stenosis Renal Artery Stenosis What are renal artery stenosis (RAS) and renovascular hypertension (RVH)? Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of one or both renal arteries. “Renal” means “kidney” and “stenosis” means “narrowing.” The renal arteries are blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys from the aorta—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to arteries throughout the body. RVH is high blood pressure caused by RAS. Blood pressure is written with two numbers separated by a slash, 120/80, and is said as “120 over 80.” The top number is called the systolic pressure and represents the pressure as the heart beats and pushes blood through the blood vessels. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure and represents the pressure as blood vessels relax between heartbeats.

A person’s blood pressure is considered normal if it stays at or below 120/80. High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure of 90 or above.1 What are the kidneys and what do they do? The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Every day, the two kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. What causes RAS? About 90 percent of RAS is caused by atherosclerosis—clogging, narrowing, and hardening of the renal arteries.2 In these cases, RAS develops when plaque—a sticky substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other material found in the blood—builds up on the inner wall of one or both renal arteries. Plaque buildup is what makes the artery wall hard and narrow.

Most other cases of RAS are caused by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)—the abnormal development or growth of cells on the renal artery walls—which can cause blood vessels to narrow. Rarely, RAS is caused by other conditions. In most cases of RAS, plaque builds up on the inner wall of one or both renal arteries. Who is at risk for RAS? People at risk for artherosclerosis are also at risk for RAS. Risk factors for RAS caused by artherosclerosis include high blood cholesterol levels Treatment for RAS includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery and aims to prevent RAS from getting worse treat RVH relieve the blockage of the renal arteries RAS that has not led to RVH or caused a significant blockage of the artery may not need treatment. RAS that needs to be treated, also called critical RAS, is defined by the American Heart Association as a reduction by more than 60 percent in the diameter of the renal artery.1 However, health care providers are not exactly sure what degree of blockage will cause significant problems. Lifestyle Changes The first step in treating RAS is making lifestyle changes that promote healthy blood vessels throughout the body, including the renal arteries.

The best ways to keep plaque from building up in the arteries are to exercise, maintain a healthy body weight, and choose healthy foods. People who smoke should quit to help protect their kidneys and other internal organs. Medications People with RVH may need to take medications that—when taken as prescribed by their health care provider—lower blood pressure and can also significantly slow the progression of kidney disease. Two types of blood pressure-lowering medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have proven effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease. Many people require two or more medications to control their blood pressure. In addition to an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, a diuretic—a medication that helps the kidneys remove fluid from the blood—may be prescribed. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other blood pressure medications may also be needed. Some people with RAS cannot take an ACE inhibitor or ARB due to the effects on the kidneys. People with RAS who are prescribed an ACE inhibitor or ARB should have their kidney function checked within a few weeks of starting the medication.

A cholesterol-lowering medication to prevent plaque from building up in the arteries and a blood-thinner, such as aspirin, to help the blood flow more easily through the arteries may also be prescribed. Surgery Although surgery has been used in the past for treatment of RAS due to atherosclerosis, recent studies have not shown improved outcomes with surgery compared with medication. However, surgery may be recommended for people with RAS caused by FMD or RAS that does not improve with medication. Different types of surgery for RAS include the following. The procedures are performed in a hospital by a vascular surgeon—a doctor who specializes in repairing blood vessels. Anesthesia is needed. Angioplasty and stenting. Angioplasty is a procedure in which a catheter is put into the renal artery, usually through the groin, just as in a catheter angiogram. In addition, for angioplasty, a tiny balloon at the end of the catheter can be inflated to flatten the plaque against the artery wall. A small mesh tube, called a stent, may then be positioned inside the artery to keep plaque flattened and the artery open.

People with RAS caused by FMD may be successfully treated with angioplasty alone, while angioplasty with stenting has a better outcome for people with RAS caused by atherosclerosis. Endarterectomy or bypass surgery. In an endarterectomy, the plaque is cleaned out of the artery, leaving the inside lining smooth and clear. To create a bypass, a vein or synthetic tube is used to connect the kidney to the aorta. This new path serves as an alternate route for blood to flow around the blocked artery into the kidney. These procedures are not performed as often as in the past due to a high risk of complications during and after the procedure. Eating, Diet, and Nutrition Limiting intake of fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar can help prevent atherosclerosis, which can lead to RAS. Most sodium in the diet comes from salt. A healthy diet that prevents people from becoming overweight or obese can also help prevent atherosclerosis. People with RAS that has caused decreased kidney function should limit their intake of protein, cholesterol, sodium, and potassium to slow the progression of kidney failure.

More information about nutrition for CKD is provided in the NIDDK health topics, Nutrition for Early Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults and Nutrition for Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults . People should talk with their health care provider about what diet is right for them. Points to Remember Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the narrowing of one or both renal arteries. The renal arteries are blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys from the aorta—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to arteries throughout the body. Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is high blood pressure caused by RAS. About 90 percent of RAS is caused by atherosclerosis. Most other cases of RAS are caused by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), which can cause blood vessels to narrow. RAS often has no symptoms until it becomes severe. The first symptoms of RAS are usually either high blood pressure or decreased kidney function, or both, but RAS is often overlooked as a cause of high blood pressure. People with RAS are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Imaging tests used to diagnose RAS include duplex ultrasound, catheter angiogram, computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) scan, and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). Treatment for RAS includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. References [1] James PA, Oparil S, Carter BL, et al. 2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults—report from the panel members appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8). The Journal of the American Medical Association. Published online December 18, 2013. [2] Plouin PF, Bax L. Diagnosis and treatment of renal artery stenosis. Nature Reviews Nephrology. 2010;6:151–159. [3] NINDS fibromuscular dysplasia information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. . Updated June 23, 2011. Accessed April 11, 2012.

Clinical Trials The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions. What are clinical trials, and are they right for you? Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you . What clinical trials are open? Clinical trials that are currently open and are recruiting can be viewed at . This information may contain content about medications and, when taken as prescribed, the conditions they treat. When prepared, this content included the most current information available. For updates or for questions about any medications, contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration toll-free at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or visit . Consult your health care provider for more information. July 2014 What is Atherosclerosis?

This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings through its clearinghouses and education programs to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by the NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. The NIDDK would like to thank: Christopher Cooper, M.D., University of Toledo This information is not copyrighted. The NIDDK encourages people to share this content freely. Contact Us Acute arterial occlusion - kidney: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Acute arterial occlusion - kidney URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001272.htm Acute arterial occlusion - kidney Acute arterial occlusion of the kidney is a sudden, severe blockage of the artery that supplies blood to the kidney. Causes The kidneys need a good blood supply. The main artery to the kidney is called the renal artery. Reduced blood flow through the renal artery can hurt kidney function. A complete blockage of blood flow to the kidney can often result in permanent kidney failure.

Acute arterial occlusion of the renal artery can occur after injury or trauma to the abdomen, side, or back. Blood clots that travel through the bloodstream ( emboli ) can lodge in the renal artery. Pieces of plaque from the walls of the arteries can come loose (on their own or during a procedure). This debris can block the main kidney artery or one of the smaller vessels. The risk of renal artery blockages increases in people who have certain heart disorders, which make them likely to form blood clots. These include mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation . A narrowing of the renal artery is called renal artery stenosis . This condition increases the risk of a sudden blockage. Symptoms You may not have symptoms when one kidney does not function because the second kidney can filter the blood. However, high blood pressure (hypertension) may come on suddenly and be difficult to control. If your other kidney is not working fully, blockage of the renal artery may cause symptoms of acute kidney failure .

Other symptoms of acute arterial occlusion of the renal artery include: Abdominal pain Abrupt decrease in urine output Back pain Flank pain or pain in the side Symptoms of high blood pressure such as headache, change in vision, and swelling Note: There may be no pain. Pain, if it is present, most often develops suddenly. Exams and Tests The health care provider will not be able to identify the problem with just an exam unless you have developed kidney failure. Tests you may need include: Duplex Doppler ultrasound exam of the renal arteries to test blood flow MRI of the kidney arteries, which can show a lack of blood flow to the affected kidney Renal arteriography shows the exact location of the blockage Renal nuclear scan shows a lack of blood flow to the affected kidney Ultrasound of the kidney to check kidney size Treatment Often, people do not need treatment. Blood clots may get better on their own over time. You may have treatment to open the artery if the blockage is discovered quickly or it is affecting the only working kidney.

Treatment to open the artery may include: Clot-dissolving medicines (thrombolytics) Medicines that prevent the blood from clotting (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin) Surgical repair of the renal artery Insertion of a tube (catheter) into the renal artery to open the blockage You may need temporary dialysis to treat acute kidney failure. Medicines to lower cholesterol may be needed if the blockage is due to clots from plaque buildup in the arteries. Outlook (Prognosis) Damage caused by arterial occlusion may go away. However, in most cases it is permanent. If only one kidney is affected, the healthy kidney may take over filtering the blood and producing urine. If you have only one working kidney, arterial occlusion leads to acute kidney failure. This can develop into chronic kidney failure . Possible Complications When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if: You stop producing urine You feel sudden, severe pain in the back, flank, or abdomen. Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of arterial occlusion and have only one working kidney. Prevention In many cases, the disorder is not preventable.

The most important way to reduce your risk is to stop smoking. People at risk for developing blood clots may need to take anti-clotting medicines. Taking steps to control diseases related to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) may reduce your risk. Alternative Names Acute renal arterial thrombosis; Renal artery embolism; Acute renal artery occlusion; Embolism - renal artery Images Blood Supply of the Kidneys - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com Blood Supply of the Kidneys Watch short & fun videos Start Your Free Trial Today An error occurred trying to load this video. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. You must create an account to continue watching Register for a free trial Are you a student or a teacher? I am a student Start Your Free Trial To Continue Watching As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed. Coming up next: The Nephron: The Glomerulus's Major Structures and Functions You're on a roll. Keep up the good work!

Your next lesson will play in 10 seconds 0:05 Blood Supply to the Kidneys 0:48 Aorta and Renal Artery 1:43 Interlobar Arteries Add to Add to Add to Want to watch this again later? Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Custom Courses are courses that you create from Study.com lessons. Use them just like other courses to track progress, access quizzes and exams, and share content. Teachers Organize and share selected lessons with your class. Make planning easier by creating your own custom course. Students Create a new course from any lesson page or your dashboard. From any lesson page: Click "Add to" located below the video player and follow the prompts to name your course and save your lesson. From your dashboard: Click on the "Custom Courses" tab, then click "Create course". Next, go to any lesson page and begin adding lessons. Edit your Custom Course directly from your dashboard. Personalize: Name your Custom Course and add an optional description or learning objective. Organize: Create chapters to group lesson within your course. Remove and reorder chapters and lessons at any time. Share your Custom Course or assign lessons and chapters.

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The kidneys aren't parasites, leeching off of your blood supply for nutrients; they also assist your vascular system immensely by helping to filter your blood. Let's go on a little journey through your blood vessels in order to see how the kidneys are nourished with blood. The Aorta and Renal Artery Renal arteries supply the kidneys with blood Let's sail on our little ship, the HMS Kidney. We sail through turbulent water, the blood, in our heart. We get ejected out from the heart and into the largest artery in our body, the aorta. The aorta eventually enters the abdomen, where the kidneys are located. We sail along the length of the abdominal aorta and eventually reach a place where the aorta gives off a little branch to the side, kind of like the branches or tributaries that the Amazon River gives off. If we want to reach one of the kidneys, we have to follow a blood vessel, coming off of the surface of the abdominal aorta, which supplies a kidney with blood, called the renal artery. You have two renal arteries in your body, one for each kidney.

Interlobar Arteries Location of the interlobar arteries in the kidney As our little ship enters the renal artery, we make a few more turns into other branches and eventually reach a place where there is an artery going in between the different lobes of the kidney. Since we're the first explorers to reach this mysterious tributary, we can name it! Let's keep it simple and not name it after someone's unpronounceable last name. Since these are arteries supplying blood to the renal lobes and they are between the lobes, let's name them interlobar arteries on our map. 'Inter' in 'interlobar' refers to the fact that they are between something - in our case, between the renal lobes. Arcuate and Interlobular Arteries As we travel through the interlobar arteries, we come to a section where we see a bunch of vascular branches off of the interlobar arteries shaped like arcs. Because they are shaped like arcs, we decide to appropriately name them the arcuate arteries on our map. These arteries are located right at the border of the outer and inner portion of the kidney - the renal cortex and medulla, respectively.

Arcuate arteries supply blood to the renal cortex After naming these new arteries, we continue our journey through them and eventually reach branches of the arcuate arteries that supply the renal cortex with blood, which are known as the interlobular arteries or the cortical radial arteries. The interlobular artery will eventually give off a branch called the afferent arteriole that will supply the functional unit of the kidney, the nephron, with blood. Renal Vein Once we're done traveling through the kidney's blood supply, we'll need to make a quick exit, as I think our boat has sprung a leak we can't control. We'll travel through a bunch of small veins and eventually reach a vein that carries the blood purified by the kidney back into general circulation. We call this vein the renal vein. × Supply of Blood and Nerves to the Kidneys About Watch and Favorite Watch Watching this resources will notify you when proposed changes or new versions are created so you can keep track of improvements that have been made. Favorite Favoriting this resource allows you to save it in the “My Resources” tab of your account. There, you can easily access this resource later when you’re ready to customize it or assign it to your students.

Supply of Blood and Nerves to the Kidneys The renal veins drain the kidney and the renal arteries supply blood to the kidney. Learning Objective Summarize the blood and nerve supply of the kidney Key Points The renal arteries branch off of the abdominal aorta and supply the kidneys with blood . The arterial supply of the kidneys varies from person to person, and there may be one or more renal arteries to supply each kidney. The renal veins are the veins that drain the kidneys and connect them to the inferior vena cava . The kidney and the nervous system communicate via the renal plexus . The sympathetic nervous system will trigger vasoconstriction and reduce renal blood flow , while parasympathetic nervous stimulation will trigger vasodilation and increased blood flow. Afferent arterioles branch into the glomerular capillaries , while efferent arterioles take blood away from the glomerular capillaries and into the interlobular capillaries that provide oxygen to the kidney. Terms Register for FREE to remove ads and unlock more features! Learn more Full Text Because the kidney filters blood, its network of blood vessels is an important component of its structure and function.

The arteries, veins, and nerves that supply the kidney enter and exit at the renal hilum. Renal Arteries The renal arteries branch off of the abdominal aorta and supply the kidneys with blood. The arterial supply of the kidneys is variable from person to person, and there may be one or more renal arteries supplying each kidney. Due to the position of the aorta, the inferior vena cava, and the kidneys in the body, the right renal artery is normally longer than the left renal artery. The renal arteries carry a large portion of the total blood flow to the kidneys—up to a third of the total cardiac output can pass through the renal arteries to be filtered by the kidneys. Renal blood supply starts with the branching of the aorta into the renal arteries (which are each named based on the region of the kidney they pass through) and ends with the exiting of the renal veins to join the inferior vena cava. The renal arteries split into several segmental arteries upon entering the kidneys, which then split into several arterioles.

These afferent arterioles branch into the glomerular capillaries, which facilitate fluid transfer to the nephrons inside the Bowman's capsule , while efferent arterioles take blood away from the glomerulus , and into the interlobular capillaries, which provide tissue oxygenation to the parenchyma of the kidney. Renal Veins The renal veins are the veins that drain the kidneys and connect them to the inferior vena cava. The renal vein drains blood from venules that arise from the interlobular capillaries inside the parenchyma of the kidney. Renal Plexus The renal plexus are the source of nervous tissue innervation within the kidney, which surround and primarily alter the size of the arterioles within the renal cortex . Input from the sympathetic nervous system triggers vasoconstriction of the arterioles in the kidney, thereby reducing renal blood flow into the glomerulus. The kidney also receives input from the parasympathetic nervous system , by way of the renal branches of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), which causes vasodilation and increased blood flow of the afferent arterioles.

Due to this mechanism, sympathetic nervous stimulation will decrease urine production, while parasympathetic nervous stimulation will increase urine production. Blood Supply, Kidney – OPERATIVE RECIPES for Urologists The renal artery splits into four or more branches, with five being the most common. – These are the renal segmental arteries. – Each segmentalartery supplies a distinct portion of the kidney with no collateral circulation between them. Thus, occlusion or injury to a segmental branch will cause segmental renal infarction. – Generally, the first and most constant branch is the posterior segmental branch, which separates from the renal artery before it enters the renal hilum. – There are typically four anterior branches, which from superior to inferior are apical, upper, middle, and lower. – The relationship of these segmental arteries is important because the posterior segmental branch will pass posterior to the renal pelvis while the others pass anterior to the renal pelvis. Segmental arteries branch into lobar arteries, which further subdivide in the renal parenchyma to form interlobar arteries.

– These interlobar arteries progress peripherally within the cortical columns of Bertin, thus avoiding the renal pyramids but maintaining a close association with the minor calyceal infundibula. At the base (peripheral edge) of the renal pyramids, the interlobar arteries branch into arcuate arteries. – Instead of moving peripherally, the arcuate arteries parallel the edge of the corticomedullary junction. – Interlobular arteries branch off the arcuate arteries and move radially, where they eventually divide to form the afferent arteries to the glomeruli. The 2 million glomeruli within each kidney represent the core of the renal filtration process. Each glomerulus is fed by an afferent arteriole. As blood flows through the glomerular capillaries, the urinary filtrate leaves the arterial system and is collected in the glomerular (Bowman’s) capsule. Blood flow leaves the glomerular capillary via the efferent arteriole and continues to one of two locations: secondary capillary networks around the urinary tubules in the cortex or descending into the renal medulla as the vasa recta.

BLOOD SUPPLY kidney veins The renal venous drainage correlates closely with the arterial supply. – The interlobular veins drain the post glomerular capillaries. These veins also communicate freely via a subcapsular venous plexus of stellate veins with veins in the perinephric fat. – After the interlobular veins, the venous drainage progresses through the arcuate, interlobar, lobar, and segmental branches, with the course of each of these branches paralleling the respective artery. – After the segmental branches, the venous drainage coalesces into three to five venous trunks that eventually combine to form the renal vein. – Unlike the arterial supply, the venous drainage communicates freely through venous collars around the infundibula, providing for extensive collateral circulation in the venous drainage of the kidney. – Surgically, this is important, because unlike the arterial supply, occlusion of a segmental venous branch has little effect on venous outflow. The renal vein is located directly anterior to the renal artery, although this position can vary up to 1-2 cm cranially or caudally relative to the artery.

– The right renal vein is generally 2 to 4 cm in length and enters the right lateral to posterolateral edge of the IVC. – The left renal vein is typically 6 to 10 cm in length and enters the left lateral aspect of the IVC after passing posterior to the superior mesenteric artery and anterior to the aorta. – Compared with the right renal vein, the left renal vein enters the IVC at a slightly more cranial level and a more anterolateral location. – the left renal vein receives the left adrenal vein superiorly, lumbar vein posteriorly, and left gonadal vein inferiorly. – The right renal vein typically does not receive any branches. Share this: Acute arterial occlusion - kidney | University of Maryland Medical Center Acute arterial occlusion - kidney Toggle: English / Spanish Definition Acute arterial occlusion of the kidney is a sudden, severe blockage of the artery that supplies blood to the kidney. Alternative Names Acute renal arterial thrombosis; Renal artery embolism; Acute renal artery occlusion; Embolism - renal artery Causes The kidneys need a good blood supply. The main artery to the kidney is called the renal artery.

Reduced blood flow through the renal artery can hurt kidney function. A complete blockage of blood flow to the kidney can often result in permanent kidney failure. Acute arterial occlusion of the renal artery can occur after injury or trauma to the abdomen, side, or back. Blood clots that travel through the bloodstream ( emboli ) can lodge in the renal artery. Pieces of plaque from the walls of the arteries can come loose (on their own or during a procedure). This debris can block the main kidney artery or one of the smaller vessels. The risk of renal artery blockages increases in people who have certain heart disorders, which make them likely to form blood clots. These include atrial fibrillation and . A narrowing of the renal artery is called renal artery stenosis . This condition increases the risk of a sudden blockage. Symptoms You may not have symptoms when one kidney does not function because the second kidney can filter the blood. However, high blood pressure (hypertension) may come on suddenly and be difficult to control. If your other kidney is not working fully, blockage of the renal artery may cause symptoms of acute kidney failure .

Other symptoms of acute arterial occlusion of the renal artery include: Abdominal pain Flank pain or pain in the side Symptoms of high blood pressure such as headache, change in vision, and swelling Note: There may be no pain. Pain, if it is present, most often develops suddenly. Exams and Tests The health care provider will not be able to identify the problem with just an exam unless you have developed kidney failure. Tests you may need include: Duplex Doppler ultrasound exam of the renal arteries to test blood flow MRI of the kidney arteries, which can show a lack of blood flow to the affected kidney Renal arteriography shows the exact location of the blockage Renal nuclear scan shows a lack of blood flow to the affected kidney Ultrasound of the kidney to check kidney size Treatment Often, people do not need treatment. Blood clots may get better on their own over time. You may have treatment to open the artery if the blockage is discovered quickly or it is affecting the only working kidney.

Treatment to open the artery may include: Clot-dissolving medicines (thrombolytics) Medicines that prevent the blood from clotting (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin) Surgical repair of the renal artery Insertion of a tube (catheter) into the renal artery to open the blockage You may need temporary dialysis to treat acute kidney failure. Medicines to lower cholesterol may be needed if the blockage is due to clots from plaque buildup in the arteries. Outlook (Prognosis) Damage caused by arterial occlusion may go away. However, in most cases it is permanent. If only one kidney is affected, the healthy kidney may take over filtering the blood and producing urine. If you have only one working kidney, arterial occlusion leads to acute kidney failure. This can develop into chronic kidney failure . Possible Complications What Is Atherosclerosis? - NHLBI, NIH Share this page from the NHLBI on Blogger. Share this page from the NHLBI on Buzz. Share this page from the NHLBI on Delicious. Share this page from the NHLBI on Digg. Share this page from the NHLBI on Facebook. Add this link to the NHLBI to my browser.

Email this page with Gmail. Bookmark this page with Google. Share this page from the NHLBI on LinkedIn. Share this page from the NHLBI on Messenger. Share this page from the NHLBI on MySpace. Share this page from the NHLBI on Reddit. Share this page from the NHLBI on Stumble. Share this page from the NHLBI on Tumblr. Share this page from the NHLBI on Twitter. What Is Atherosclerosis? Español Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body. Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack , stroke , or even death. Atherosclerosis Figure A shows a normal artery with normal blood flow. The inset image shows a cross-section of a normal artery. Figure B shows an artery with plaque buildup. The inset image shows a cross-section of an artery with plaque buildup.

Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases Atherosclerosis can affect any artery in the body, including arteries in the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. As a result, different diseases may develop based on which arteries are affected. Coronary Heart Disease Coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. Plaque buildup also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow. If blood flow to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, you may have angina (chest pain or discomfort) or a heart attack. Plaque also can form in the heart's smallest arteries. This disease is called coronary microvascular disease (MVD). In coronary MVD, plaque doesn't cause blockages in the arteries as it does in CHD. Carotid Artery Disease Carotid (ka-ROT-id) artery disease occurs if plaque builds up in the arteries on each side of your neck (the carotid arteries). These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain.

If blood flow to your brain is reduced or blocked, you may have a stroke. Peripheral Artery Disease Peripheral artery disease (P.A.D.) occurs if plaque builds up in the major arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to your legs, arms, and pelvis. If blood flow to these parts of your body is reduced or blocked, you may have numbness, pain, and, sometimes, dangerous infections. Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease can occur if plaque builds up in the renal arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your kidneys. Over time, chronic kidney disease causes a slow loss of kidney function. The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste and extra water from the body. Overview The cause of atherosclerosis isn't known. However, certain traits, conditions, or habits may raise your risk for the disease. These conditions are known as risk factors. You can control some risk factors, such as lack of physical activity , smoking , and an unhealthy diet. Others you can't control, such as age and a family history of heart disease. Some people who have atherosclerosis have no signs or symptoms. They may not be diagnosed until after a heart attack or stroke. The main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes.

You also may need medicines and medical procedures. These treatments, along with ongoing medical care, can help you live a healthier life. Outlook Improved treatments have reduced the number of deaths from atherosclerosis-related diseases. These treatments also have improved the quality of life for people who have these diseases. However, atherosclerosis remains a common health problem. You may be able to prevent or delay atherosclerosis and the diseases it can cause. Making lifestyle changes and getting ongoing care can help you avoid the problems of atherosclerosis and live a long, healthy life. Rate This Content: What is atherosclerosis? 05/22/2014 Describes how the build-up of plaque over time causes atherosclerosis which can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death. Shows how in atherosclerosis, plaque builds up inside the arteries which can cause a heart attack. Explains that the main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and being physically active. Renal Vascular Disease | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library << Back to Diseases and Conditions What is renal vascular disease? Renal vascular disease affects the blood flow into and out of the kidneys.

It may cause kidney damage, kidney failure, and high blood pressure. Vascular conditions include: Renal artery stenosis (RAS). This is a narrowing or blockage of an artery to the kidneys. It may cause kidney failure and high blood pressure. Smokers have a greater risk of getting RAS. It’s most common in men between the ages of 50 and 70. High cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, and having a family history of heart disease are also risk factors for RAS. High blood pressure is both a cause and a result of RAS. Renal artery thrombosis. This is a blood clot in an artery that supplies the kidney. It may block blood flow and cause kidney failure. Renal vein thrombosis. This is the formation of a clot in a vein to the kidney. Renal artery aneurysm. This is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery to the kidney. Most are small and don’t cause symptoms. Renal artery aneurysms are rare and are often found during tests for other conditions. Atheroembolic renal disease.

This occurs when a piece of plaque from a larger artery breaks off and travels through the blood, blocking small renal arteries. This disease is becoming a common cause of kidney problems in the older adults. Renin is a strong hormone that raises blood pressure. Decreased blood flow to the kidney(s) from renal vascular disease may cause too much renin to be made. This can lead to high blood pressure. What causes renal vascular disease? The cause of renal vascular disease will depend on the specific condition involved. The main causes are: Atherosclerosis On-going severe flank pain with spasms at times Soreness over the kidney, between the ribs and the backbone Decreased kidney function The symptoms of renal vascular disease may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is renal vascular disease diagnosed? Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include: Arteriogram (or angiogram). This is an X-ray image of the blood vessels used to check for aneurysm, narrowing, or blockages. A dye (contrast) is injected through a thin, flexible tube placed in an artery. This dye makes the blood vessels visible on X-ray. Duplex ultrasound.

This test is done to check blood flow and the structure of the renal veins and arteries. The term “duplex" refers to the fact that two modes of ultrasound are used. The first takes an image of the renal artery being studied. The second mode checks the blood flow. Renography. This test is used to check the function and structure of the kidneys. It is a type of nuclear radiology procedure. This means that a tiny amount of a radioactive substance is used during the test to help view the kidneys. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). This test uses a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology and intravenous (IV) contrast dye to see blood vessels. Contrast dye causes blood vessels to appear solid on the MRI image. This lets the doctor see the blood vessels. What is the treatment for renal vascular disease? Your health care provider will figure out the best treatment based on: How old you are Blood pressure lowering medications other than ACE inhibitors may be used to treat high blood pressure. Medications to lower cholesterol may be prescribed for atherosclerosis. Treatment of related medical conditions such as diabetes.

Surgical treatment: Endovascular procedures such as angioplasty (the opening of a renal artery using a balloon or other method) or placement of a stent (a tiny, expandable metal coil placed inside an artery to keep the artery open). Open surgery to bypass the blocked renal artery. Renal artery thrombosis In acute cases, thrombolytic (clot-busting) medication may be infused into the renal artery for several hours to several days to break up the clot. Surgery to remove the clot or bypass the artery may be done in some situations. Renal artery aneurysm Treatment of a renal artery aneurysm depends on symptoms and the size and location of the aneurysm. Some smaller aneurysms may not be treated, but may be watched for growth or problems. Surgery may be used to treat larger, tearing, or growing aneurysms. It may also be used for aneurysms causing lack of blood flow to the kidney and high blood pressure, and aneurysms causing symptoms. Because of the increased risk for rupture (bursting), a renal artery aneurysm in a pregnant woman or a woman of childbearing age will generally be treated with surgery.

Atheroembolic renal disease Treatment may include medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and treat other related conditions, such as diabetes. Diet and exercise are urged to lower blood pressure. Avoid foods high in fats and salt. Surgical treatment may include: Endovascular procedures such as angioplasty (the opening of a renal artery using a balloon or other method) or placement of a stent (a tiny, expandable metal coil placed inside an artery to keep the artery open). Open surgery to bypass the blocked renal artery. Renal vein thrombosis Renal vein thrombosis is generally treated with an anticoagulant, which keeps the blood from clotting. They may be given intravenously (IV) for several days, then given by mouth for a few weeks or more. What are the complications of renal vascular disease? In time, renal vascular disease can lead to kidney failure, which may call for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Other complications include: Heart disease

Question: Which artery supplies the kidney with blood?
Answer: Renal artery