Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

[SamuelChin]

My blood pressure has been hovering 130/80 to 140/95, in last five weeks.

My most recent blood work: eGFR = 106, electrolytes well-balanced.

My most recent urine check: 0.3g/L Proteinuria, no Hematuria, no Sediments.

Is this renal hypertension?

I need help, a little scared. How can I drop my BP without ARB & ACE Inhibitors?

[Bet117]

Hi Samuel,

Most of your labs look great! One blessing.

What does your doctor recommended for the hypertension?

I know that the decision to take blood pressure medication is a difficult one as I have been there. Remember, my BP is low normal to low.

I am now on the lowest dose of Lisinopril for my proteinuria and as a protection for the kidneys.

I would speak to your doctor about this. Perhaps short term might work with a radical change in your diet and exercise routines.

Just a thought.

Please let me know the outcome as this is neither easy nor without shock.

Reach out.

Bet

[SamuelChin in reply to Bet117]

Thanks!

I am still in the process of diagnose. So far, the other abnormality beside urine is my blood sugar, at 6.2, makes me prediabetic. I am getting my ACR and lipids results back hopefully tomorrow.

I am hoping for Pre-diabetic CKD, Stage 1, with moderate risk (A2) of progression.

I am extremely concerned right now. I am afraid this is going to cause my kidneys to fail.

[Bet117 in reply to SamuelChin]

Samuel,

I know that this is both frightening and upsetting and rightfully so.

I applaud your PCP for his/ her conscientiousness as

most importantly, this was all identified early and can probably be delt with through dietary changes and possibly medication short term.

Most importantly, you need to focus on the fact that your eGFR and kidney function are both excellent.

As far as your A1C is concerned, you know that diet and exercise is essential to keeping that in the normal range.

The decision to take high blood pressure medication is a difficult one.

Perhaps taking an ACE INHIBITOR or an ARB starting; even a statin at a low dose along with making some dietary changes may be an option.

Changing your diet to healthier choices, particularly low sodium, fats and sugar would most certainly be a first step to lowering your BP, A1C and cholesterol if your lipids show elevation.

I would discuss a plan to lower your BP, A1C and cholesterol as well as your kidney function with your doctor; including a referral to a dietician who can better serve presentation of food choices and portions to address all of these issues.

Make a list of questions and concerns and bring them to your doctor as he/ she is the person to address them and totally put your mind at ease.

Until your doctor tells you that this is renal hypertension or CKD, don't go there.

Please reach out at any time and please let me know what the outcome of your labs and discussions are.

I care!

B...

[Sally10255 in reply to Bet117]

hi, I can't beat the cholesterol thing totally on my own because it is genetic . I stopped taking a statin for 6 months and the results were the same, good, but not reflective of all I do. Because of kidney I didn't want to take it. But I switched to a different one. Cholesterol med is processed in liver. Also I have one great kidney and part of the other functioning. I do take a very small dose of bp medicine, mainly because I can retain water...don't really sweat, etc. It is crucial for me to have lower bp numbers. Along with duet, lots of exercise, my bp is very very good.

[Bet117 in reply to Sally10255]

Hi Sally,

Isn't the cholesterol annoying? Mine was slightly elevated due to my Hashimotos hypo thyroid.

I had back pain from a 5mg dose of Crestor and violent back pain and stomach distress from 8 months of Atrouvastatin 10 mg., prescribed by my then endocrinologist ( despite my being a vegetarian, not significant change in my cholesterol).

I saw my GP in December who found muscle swelling at my rib cage..insisted I stay off of the statins.

I now take a Plant Sterol from Piper and use Benechol spread, which is also a plant sterol, on my toast.

Before taking this, I brought the. box to my GP and renal dietician who both approved it for me.

Bear in mind, we are all different and have different issues. Four weeks later, my GP ran a lipid panel and found that my cholesterol dropped to 12 pts from high normal and my LDL 1 point from high normal.

I continue to eat clean and am hoping my lipid check shows even more of a drop.

Zetia ( I think this is the drug) lowers cholesterol without a statin base. In my case, we decided to try the plant sterol first.

I take 2.5 mg of Lisinopril as a protection for my kidneys and work to slow up the protein spilling.

Like you, my BP is low normal to low..they have to be very careful with me. So I understand where you are coming from.

My thoughts, the diet, water and exercise are key.

Please reach out or PM me and let me know how you are doing.

We will lick this!

Bet

[hankshardscapes in reply to Bet117]

You take 2.5 lisinopril to slow protein spill, so protein spill damages the kidney? I thought the spill was from the damage .

[RickHow]

Why all the fear to take an ACE or ARB? I took a dose of 20mg lisinopril and 5mg of CCB amlodipine for years which kept my pressure well under control. I have walked 3 to 4 miles a day for years. I developed kidney cancer and one was removed. At the time I tipped the scale at about 202 lbs (male). After that I made only slight dietary changes. I limited my coffee to 2 cups a day. Started to drink 60 to 70 ounces of water a day. Eliminated soda. Regarding food I always watched my salt and sugar intake and kept it in normal daily recommended daily values. The one change I made with food was to watch my protein intake. I eliminated beef except for rare occasions. For meat I consume only chicken and pork. Again I measure the protein and keep it within the daily recommended values. Well the combination of watching protein, consuming water, continuing walking, within a few months my weight dropped to the 167 to 170 range!. down two sizes in clothing. The blood pressure dropped so low the doctors started reducing my medications. I now only take 2.5mg of CCB. It controls my blood pressure. However they have added 10mg of lisinopril but not for blood pressure, but because it is "good" for the remaining kidney. Yes you heard that right, an ACE is beneficial to a kidney. My blood pressure is considered low (about 115/58), but since it causes me no problems, the doctors love it. the point? Why avoid medication. It works. But you can also help yourself with sensible diet and exercise.

[toeragthecat21]

hi egfr of 106 is outstanding..so dont worry