Hypertension is a common complication in Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). In
some cases, it may be the primary signal for seeing a doctor. In return,
hypertension also can accelerate PKD development. Therefore, controlling
hypertension is very important for the patients with PKD.
Kidneys are important organs in body. They are responsible for filtering
blood and keep fluid and electrolytes balance as well as secrete some essential
hormones. Healthy kidneys can secret renine that can help maintain the blood
pressure at a stable level. However, in PKD, if uncontrolled effectively, the
cysts will enlarge continuously suppressing the surrounding nephrons. As a
result, it will lead to renal ischemia and anoxia. When the kidneys can not get
sufficient oxgen supply, they will secrete more renin than normal, which can
stimulate the secretion of angiotensin. The blood vessels contract and blood
pressure rises.
In addition, with the renal function decline, the kidneys can not discharge
the fluid and keep the minerals balance normally thus leading to building up of
fluid and sodium in body. It is also a common cause of hypertension in PKD.
Hypertension can quicken PKD deterioration and increase the risk of
developing complications. Therefore, the patients with PKD should take effective
treatment to low the blood pressure.
The patients with conventionally use ACEI and ARB and other medicines to
control their blood pressure. In fact, they have mild effect in delaying the
progression of PKD. However, they can not eliminate the root cause of
hypertension at all. To treat hypertension effectively and fundamentally, the
patients should shrink the enlarged cysts and prevent the small ones from
enlarging as well as relieve renal ischemia and anoxia.
Chinese herbal medicines have showed its enormous effects in treating
hypertension related to PKD.
On one hand, Chinese herbal medicines can inactivate epithelial cells of the
cysts thus making them lose secretion ability. Therefore, the cysts will stop
enlarging.
On the other hand, Chinese herbal medicines can dilate blood vessels. They
can improve the blood circulation and increase the blood supply to kidneys. In
this way, they can improve the renal ischemia and anoxia and inhibit the
abnormal secretion of renin.
Moreover, once the permeability of cyst wall improves the differential
pressure in and outside of the cysts is reversed. The cystic fluid will flow
into systemic blood circulation and be discharged out of body finally.
Chinese herbal medicines treat hypertension in PKD from its root cause, so
the patients can get a fundamental recovery.
If you or someone else is a PKD patient and can not deal with the troublesome
hypertension, you can consult us on line and ask for more useful advices.