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World Hypertension Day, observed every year on May 17, is a day for all of us to pause a while to focus on how hypertension is a silent killer that can strike anyone and what we can do to keep this monster out of our lives. In 2025, the World Hypertension Day theme — 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer' — shines a spotlight on the importance of measuring and controlling blood pressure. 

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can affect many areas of health, including the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications and damage these vital organs. 

Your Kidneys Are Delicate And Extremely Vital Organs

Research from Harvard University and other leading medical institutions has extensively explored the intricate relationship between kidney health and hypertension. These studies highlight how each condition can influence and exacerbate the other, creating a cycle that poses significant health risks.

The kidneys — bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist — sit just below your rib cage on either side of your spine. They play an essential role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid and sodium levels in the circulation. 

Dr. Arvind Patil, Internal Medicine Specialist at Apollo Clinic in Kharadi (Pune), shared with ABP Live his insights on the link between hypertension and kidney health that people should be aware of to ensure quick/timely medical treatment.

"Hypertension damages the kidneys by putting excessive strain on blood vessels. Over time, this reduces the nephrons' ability to remove waste and excess fluid. Reduced kidney function leads to increased fluid retention, which raises blood pressure even more, creating a vicious cycle. Chronic high blood pressure may eventually cause kidney artery narrowing and scarring, which can lead to kidney failure, if treatment is not received,” Dr Patil said.

What Are The Blood Pressure Ranges?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association divide blood pressure into four general categories. Ideal blood pressure is categorised as normal.

• Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is lower than 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 hypertension. The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.

How Are Hypertension And Kidney Health Connected?

According to Harvard research, more than one in seven adults have chronic kidney disease, which means their kidneys aren't working the way they should. Yet many of them aren't aware of the problem. Early-stage kidney disease often has no symptoms, but the condition slowly and silently worsens over time — and is closely connected to cardiovascular disease.

Harvard Health says the kidneys play a pivotal role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid and sodium levels in the bloodstream. When blood pressure rises, the kidneys excrete more water and sodium to lower it. However, in individuals with hypertension, this mechanism can become impaired, leading to fluid retention and further increasing blood pressure. This cycle can cause scarring and weakening of the kidney's blood vessels, potentially leading to CKD.

Hypertension Damages The Kidneys Silently, And Slowly

Concerned about the damage that hypertension may cause the kidneys, one may want to know what are the common signs and symptoms of kidney damage caused by uncontrolled (high) blood pressure.

Often, people don't experience symptoms until the kidneys start to fail, say Harvard experts. This usually doesn't occur until kidney function drops below 15%, which typically takes years. The resulting accumulation of waste products and fluid in the body can lead to loss of energy, trouble concentrating, poor appetite, swollen feet and ankles, and more frequent urination, especially at night.

"In the early stages, kidney damage brought on by hypertension may not exhibit many symptoms and frequently develops gradually. Common symptoms as it worsens include fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, especially at night, and swelling in the face, legs, or ankles from fluid retention,” says Dr Arvind Patil.

"Additional symptoms may include difficult-to-control hypertension, red or frothy urine, and cramping in the muscles. In more advanced stages, people may become confused, have trouble focussing, or have shortness of breath, which are signs of declining kidney function,” he adds.

Dr Patil shares following insights on how to manage hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication to prevent kidney failure:

• Renal failure can be considerably avoided by controlling hypertension with medication and lifestyle modifications. By lowering blood pressure, renal blood vessels are less stressed, maintaining their ability to filter.
• A low-sodium diet, consistent exercise, controlling weight, giving up smoking, and consuming less alcohol are all healthy practices that help lower blood pressure. Drugs that lower pressure in kidney filters, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, protect renal function.
• Slowing or stopping the course of kidney disease and failure requires regular monitoring and adherence to treatment recommendations.

It is well-documented that the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease — high blood pressure and diabetes — are also leading risk factors for heart disease. 

Sharing insights on the potential consequences of untreated hypertension on kidney health, Dr Patil adds: “Kidney health may suffer significantly if hypertension is left untreated. The kidneys' capacity to filter waste and maintain fluid and electrolyte balance is diminished when chronic high blood pressure affects the kidneys' blood vessels. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterised by a progressive loss of kidney function, may result from this over time. Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary if chronic kidney disease (CKD) worsens and develops into end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure. The risk of additional problems, such as heart disease and stroke, is also increased by untreated hypertension.”

If you have chronic kidney disease, your kidneys may not filter medications from your body effectively. That’s why it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully for all prescribed drugs. Also, always consult your doctor before using over-the-counter painkillers or herbal supplements, as some of these can further damage kidney function. 

Kirti Pandey is a senior independent writer. 

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]