Renal Artery Disease

Renal artery disease refers to an accumulation of plaque that can lead to a narrowing, hardening and eventual blockage of the arteries that connect to the kidneys. Obstructed renal arteries can in turn lead to hypertension, kidney damage and congestive heart failure. People who are over the age of 50, who are diabetic, who smoke, or who have a family history of renal artery, coronary artery or peripheral artery disease are all at elevated risk of developing this condition. Women are also somewhat more likely to be diagnosed with it than men. Treatment is primarily via medications but may also involve an angioplasty catheterization and stenting procedure or arterial bypass surgery.