Keywords

atherosclerosis, diagnostics, fibrodysplasia, hyperplasia, hypertension, renovascular

 

Authors

  1. Bruni, Karen R. MSN, RN, NP, CVN

Abstract

This article discusses the pathophysiologic features, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with renovascular hypertension. Timely diagnosis is important as the disease can carry a more serious prognosis than essential hypertension and is less amenable to drug treatment. Renovascular hypertension also carries a greater risk of progression to accelerated or malignant hypertension and may result in irreversible ischemic failure of the affected kidney. Various treatments are available including medical management, angioplasty and/or stenting, and revascularization. Regardless of treatment approach, nursing care is an integral part of the patient's management, especially continuing follow-up of blood pressure.