Renal Vascular Disease
Renal vascular disease affects the blood flow into and out of the kidneys. It may cause kidney damage, kidney failure, and high blood pressure.

Vascular conditions include:

Renal artery stenosis (RAS). This is a narrowing or blockage of an artery to the kidneys. It may cause kidney failure and high blood pressure. Smokers have a greater risk of getting RAS. It’s most common in men between the ages of 50 and 70. High cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, and having a family history of heart disease are also risk factors for RAS. High blood pressure is both a cause and a result of RAS.

Renal artery thrombosis. This is a blood clot in an artery that supplies the kidney. It may block blood flow and cause kidney failure.

Renal vein thrombosis. This is the formation of a clot in a vein to the kidney.

Renal artery aneurysm. This is a bulging, weak area in the wall of an artery to the kidney. Most are small and don’t cause symptoms. Renal artery aneurysms are rare and are often found during tests for other conditions.

Atheroembolic renal disease. This happens when a piece of plaque from a larger artery breaks off and travels through the blood. This blocks small renal arteries. This disease is becoming a common cause of kidney problems in the older adults.

Renin is a strong hormone that raises blood pressure. Decreased blood flow to the kidney(s) from renal vascular disease may cause too much renin to be made. This can lead to high blood pressure.