Chennai, May 18: NephroPlus has revealed the prevalence of hypertension in patients with Chronic kidney disease (CKD), highlighting the importance of managing blood pressure at a very early stage.

A press release said that uncontrolled hypertension, a common disorder, is associated with increased long-term risk of several severe conditions.

“However, awareness of the health risks of uncontrolled Hypertension is not well understood. Even when patients are under the care of specialists, they frequently have a limited understanding of fundamental aspects, including symptoms, diet options, medications benefit and risks, and lastly, the importance and ease of self-monitoring,” the release added.

Senior vice president, clinical affairs at NephroPlus Dr Suresh Sankar explains, “High blood pressure or Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease and kidney failure. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries cannot deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue. It can lead to injury to kidney filters, protein loss in the urine, and kidney damage.”

Suresh Sankar further adds that ,“The unanswered questions in India include timing of blood pressure measurement, the significance of systolic or diastolic blood pressure, type of medications and lastly fluid management on dialysis patients with lower frequency of Dialysis. Oddly, it is a common problem that has not received its due importance.”

Co-Founder and director (guest services) at NephroPlus Kamal D Shah says, “Dialysis patients must keep their blood pressure levels in check. In patients undergoing Dialysis, normal blood pressure may be defined as the mean ambulatory blood pressure of less than 135/85 mmHg during the day and less than 120/80 mmHg by night. We’re the trailblazers in conducting such wide-scale studies to determine how Hypertension can affect CKD and dialysis patients.”