Hypertension And Kidney Specialists in Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Hypertension and kidney specialists in Egg Harbor Township, NJ can evaluate, treat, and monitor patients who have high blood pressure concerns, kidney disease or related illnesses. High blood pressure can lead to kidney disease over time. As such, your kidneys have a substantial impact on your blood pressure numbers. Additionally, your kidney health may suffer if you struggle with hypertension. It’s important that someone with these combined health issues receives high-quality care from knowledgeable professionals.

Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of hypertension in the United States. High blood pressure can damage the vessels in your kidneys. As a result, they lose their ability to filter out waste and excess fluid from your body. When your blood pressure is high for long periods of time, it can become more difficult to manage your blood pressure levels.

Connection Between Hypertension and Kidney Disease

The kidneys maintain your blood pressure by balancing fluids in your body, producing hormones, and filtering your sodium intake. When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly they lose some of this ability. Hypertension can also damage your kidneys’ filtering systems.

If you have hypertension, you may not know that you have kidney disease. In many cases there are no symptoms until the later stages of kidney disease and by then your blood pressure has risen even higher. For this reason, it’s important to be checked regularly if you have high blood pressure.

Diabetes, genetics, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension can increase your risk for kidney disease.

Common Symptoms That May Require Specialist Care

High blood pressure doesn’t usually present symptoms. However, as kidney disease progresses you may experience symptoms such as:

• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or face
• Urinating more or less than normal
• Change in urine color
• Blood in urine
• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Lack of concentration
• Nausea or lack of appetite
• Unexplained itching
• Fluid retention

Blood pressure patients should also be evaluated regularly, even if you do not notice symptoms.

Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation

To determine what is causing your hypertension, your kidney function will need to be evaluated. There are various tests that can be performed to obtain this information.

Patients may undergo blood pressure checks, blood work, urine tests, kidney function testing, electrolyte panel, and ultrasounds. After your evaluation is complete, your hypertension specialist will be able to tell if your kidneys are being affected by your blood pressure. They will also be able to tell if your high blood pressure is caused by kidney disease.

If your hypertension is secondary, an SMC provider may recommend additional testing to determine what is causing your high blood pressure. This could be due to hormone imbalances, vascular disease, tumors, and even genetics.

Treatment Options for Hypertension and Kidney Disease

Your hypertension treatment will depend on your personal health conditions. The overall goal is to get your blood pressure under control and reduce your risk of kidney damage.

You may be prescribed medication to help lower your blood pressure, decrease protein in your urine, and help protect your kidneys. Dosages of medication can change over time to refine your treatment plan.

Eat a low sodium diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise, limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, manage stress, control your blood sugar, and drink plenty of fluids.

If you have chronic kidney disease you may benefit from nutritional counseling to ensure you are maintaining healthy levels of protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium.

The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring

Monitoring your blood pressure and kidney function is very important when you have hypertension. Follow up appointments become easier since your baseline information is already taken. Your blood pressure trends can be analyzed and your labs can be checked to ensure you are responding to treatment.

Monitoring your health also decreases your risk for heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure. Patients who are proactive with their care often have a better quality of life.

Older adults and people with other chronic diseases can benefit from regular monitoring. Staying on top of your health can slow the progression of kidney disease and help you maintain your kidney function for years to come.

When to Seek Specialized Care

If you have hypertension that is hard to manage, declining kidney function, abnormal lab results, or protein in your urine, you may benefit from specialized nephrology care. Patients in the Egg Harbor Township area can receive comprehensive hypertension and kidney care at our nearby Linwood and Ventnor locations.

Seeking medical help early can help you determine what the cause of your high blood pressure is. There are many treatment options your doctor can try to help prevent long-term damage to your kidneys and heart.

Request Your Appointment

Searching for hypertension and kidney specialists in Egg Harbor Township, NJ? SMC Physicians offers the specialized care you need at our nearby Linwood and Ventnor locations. Our specialists offer comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing care to help manage high blood pressure and protect your kidney health.

Call us directly at (609) 350-6780 or complete our online form to request an appointment today.