High blood pressure and kidney disease

In the UK, around one in three adults has high blood pressure. Living with hypertension can put you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke and it can also cause chronic kidney disease (CKD).

High blood pressure and kidney disease

In the UK, around one in three adults has high blood pressure. Living with hypertension can put you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke and it can also cause chronic kidney disease (CKD).

https://kidneycareuk.org/kidney-disease-information/high-blood-pressure-and-kidney-disease/

Focus on high blood pressure (hypertension) and kidney disease

Blood pressure that is too high can damage the blood vessels throughout your body, which can affect the blood supply to organs including your kidneys, and also lead to heart problems.

Understand the link between high blood pressure and CKD
Doctor measuring a patient's blood pressure using a cuff.
  • Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries. If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your arteries and your heart.
  • More than half of people with CKD have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause CKD, and CKD can in turn raise your blood pressure more.
  • Half of people with high blood pressure are not diagnosed or receiving treatment. In England, more than five million people are undiagnosed.
Kidney-friendly diet

How to add flavour without salt

Cutting down on salt is one of the best things you can do to help manage your blood pressure. Low salt doesn’t mean bland meals! Plenty of ingredients will give your cooking a flavour boost without reaching for the saltshaker.
Easy ways to add flavour without salt

Healthy eating and lifestyle for your kidneys

You can enjoy a wide variety of delicious and healthy food when you are living with kidney disease. All Kidney Kitchen recipes are analysed and approved by kidney dietitians.

Browse 300+ kidney-friendly recipes from Kidney Kitchen

Patient information leaflets to download or order

  • Diet and nutrition, Kidney conditions, Living with kidney disease, Medication

    Kidneys and heart disease

  • Kidney conditions, Kidney failure, Medication, Stage 1-3 CKD, Stage 4 CKD

    Medicines for high blood pressure
Patient information videos

Dr Pauline Swift, nephrologist, answers questions about high blood pressure and CKD

In this 'Your questions answered' series we answer common questions that you may have about high blood pressure and CKD, from tests to lifestyle to medication.

Your questions answered: high blood pressure and CKD with Dr Swift, nephrologist

  • Meet Dr Pauline Swift, nephrologist

  • Are there symptoms of high blood pressure?

  • Why might I have high blood pressure?

  • Do I need to measure my blood pressure and why?

  • How is blood pressure measured and what do the readings mean?

  • How does blood pressure affect my kidneys?

  • How can I manage or reduce my high blood pressure?

  • How should my kidneys be monitored if I have high blood pressure?

  • What tests check for kidney damage if I have high blood pressure?

  • Are there treatments or medications for high blood pressure and CKD?

  • Are there differences in treatment for high blood pressure and CKD and high blood pressure?

  • Why is my blood pressure high when I am on dialysis and how can I reduce it?
Watch video

How do I measure my blood pressure at home?

You can use a home blood pressure monitor to measure your blood pressure levels over time. You can can use the monitor regularly, at a time that suits you.
The link between hypertension and CKD in the Black community

Episode 120

The link between hypertension and CKD in the Black community

In this episode, Dee Moore delves into the topic of kidney health in the Black community with award-winning Senior Nephrologist Professor Ibi Erekosima, renowned for his work in global renal care and prevention of CKD in sub-Saharan Africa. The discussion highlights the links between hypertension and CKD, emphasising the high prevalence of these conditions in the Black community. Professor Erekosima shares his expertise on the genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors contributing to this health disparity, and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management of high blood pressure.