Hypertension and Kidney Specialists in Atlantic City, NJ

Are you looking for hypertension and kidney specialists in Atlantic City, NJ? Having high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or another condition that damages your kidneys puts your entire body at risk for serious health problems. High blood pressure and kidney disease often go hand in hand, which is why specialized care can help you take better care of your kidneys while also protecting your overall health.

SMC Physicians has offices close to Atlantic City, NJ in Ventnor and Linwood. Patients benefit from full evaluations, personalized treatment recommendations, and ongoing support to improve blood pressure levels and keep kidneys functioning well.

High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the United States. But while many people understand how hypertension increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, few realize that uncontrolled high blood pressure is also a leading cause of kidney disease. The kidneys rely on a complex network of blood vessels to filter out toxins and maintain healthy fluid levels. When blood pressure is high for too long, those vessels can become damaged, which lowers kidney function over time.

Understanding Hypertension and Kidney Disease

When blood pressure climbs too high or stays high for extended periods, the blood vessels in your kidneys can become damaged. Your kidneys help regulate blood pressure by balancing fluids in your body, managing sodium levels, and producing hormones related to blood circulation. Uncontrolled hypertension can impair your kidneys’ ability to perform these functions.

In addition to increasing your risk of kidney disease, damaged kidneys can actually cause blood pressure to rise. The filtering components in each kidney become damaged by hypertension, which makes it difficult for your kidneys to filter out excess fluid and waste products. This fluid buildup results in increased blood pressure levels.

It’s a cyclical problem: one disease can cause or contribute to the other. That’s why early detection and effective treatment is so important. By receiving comprehensive care for hypertension and kidney damage, you can treat both conditions and prevent serious problems in the future.

Who is At Risk for Kidney Disease?

If you have diabetes, are overweight, or have heart disease, kidney damage, or high cholesterol, you may be at an increased risk for kidney disease. Men and women who smoke or have hypertension are more likely to develop kidney problems than nonsmokers. Older adults and patients who have had high blood pressure for many years are also at risk for kidney disease.

Because hypertension can cause kidney disease, and kidney disease can increase your blood pressure, patients with high blood pressure should be routinely screened for kidney disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek prompt evaluation from an SMC Physicians provider.

Warning Signs of Kidney Disease

Unfortunately, both hypertension and kidney disease are silent killers. You can live for years with little to no symptoms before serious damage is caused to your blood vessels and kidneys.

Some symptoms of kidney disease include:

• Swelling in your extremities (feet and ankles) or face
• Increased or decreased urination
• Urinating more at night than during the day
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Lack of concentration
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Itching
• High blood pressure (even if you’re taking medication to lower your BP)

Symptoms of Kidney Damage from Hypertension

If your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may experience swelling. Edema is caused by excess fluid buildup in your body. Kidneys remove this built-up fluid through urine. When your kidneys don’t work properly, that fluid can remain, causing you to retain water. You may notice swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Diagnosing hypertension and kidney disease begins with a comprehensive evaluation by an SMC Physicians provider. Regular checkups that include blood pressure screenings can help detect hypertension early and reduce the risk of kidney damage. We may recommend blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function and check for signs of damage.

Treating Your Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Once your blood pressure is under control and your kidneys are functioning at a healthy rate, it’s important to keep up with your treatment plan. Continue to take your medication as directed and try to make healthy lifestyle changes. You will want to eat a diet low in sodium and follow kidney-healthy diet guidelines.

Making lifestyle changes can also help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels and kidney function. You can do this by:

• Eating a low sodium diet
• Trying to maintain a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Reducing your stress
• Checking your blood pressure at home
• Following a kidney-healthy diet

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you have questions about hypertension, kidney disease, or how high blood pressure may be affecting your kidney health, the nephrology team at SMC Physicians is here to help. We provide comprehensive evaluations, kidney-protective treatment options, and personalized blood pressure management to help protect your long-term health.

To request an appointment, call (609) 350-6780 or complete our online appointment request form.