Renovascular hypertension is high blood pressure caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. It is caused by reduced kidney blood flow, which triggers the kidneys to release excessive amounts of renin hormone, leading to elevated aldosterone and increased blood pressure. The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies the characteristic hormonal imbalance of this condition.
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Renovascular hypertension is caused by narrowing or blockage of one or both renal arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, where fatty plaques build up in the artery walls, typically affecting older adults. Another cause is fibromuscular dysplasia, an abnormal cell growth in the artery walls that primarily affects younger women. When kidney blood flow decreases, the kidneys mistakenly sense low blood pressure and release excessive renin hormone, triggering a cascade that raises blood pressure throughout your body.
The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is the most important blood test for renovascular hypertension because it measures the hormonal changes caused by reduced kidney blood flow. When your kidney arteries narrow, your kidneys release excessive renin, which increases aldosterone production - this test detects both hormones and calculates their ratio to identify the characteristic imbalance. Elevated plasma renin activity combined with increased aldosterone strongly suggests that kidney artery narrowing is causing your high blood pressure. While imaging tests like renal artery ultrasound or CT angiography are needed to visualize the narrowed arteries, this blood test provides crucial evidence of the underlying hormonal problem driving your hypertension.
You should get tested if you have high blood pressure that started suddenly or worsened rapidly, especially if you are under 30 or over 55 years old. Testing is important if your blood pressure does not respond well to multiple medications, or if you developed high blood pressure after taking medications that affect kidney function. You should also consider testing if you have other signs like unexplained kidney function decline, a whooshing sound heard over your abdomen during a physical exam, or if you have risk factors like atherosclerosis or fibromuscular dysplasia. Early detection helps prevent kidney damage and cardiovascular complications.
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What this means
Your testosterone levels are slightly below the optimal range. While this is not necessarily cause for concern, it may contribute to occasional fatigue, reduced motivation, or lower muscle mass over time.
Recommended actions
Increase resistance or strength training
Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep per night, try to reduce stress
Include more zinc- and magnesium-rich foods (like shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach)
Consider retesting in 3–6 months
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