Is blood pressure medicine hard on your kidneys?

Long-term use of blood pressure drugs may cause kidney damage, study suggests. Summary: New kidney research is raising concerns that long-term use of ACE inhibitors and other drugs commonly prescribed to treat high-blood pressure and heart failure could be contributing to kidney damage.
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Can blood pressure medicine affect the kidneys?

Diuretics. Doctors use these medicines, also known as water pills, to treat high blood pressure and some kinds of swelling. They help your body get rid of extra fluid. But they can sometimes dehydrate you, which can be bad for your kidneys.
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What blood pressure medications cause kidney damage?

Popular diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone. They are associated with a risk for acute kidney injury.
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What is the safest blood pressure medicine for your kidneys?

ACE inhibitors and ARBs are two types of blood pressure medicine that may slow the loss of kidney function and delay kidney failure. You can tell if you're taking one of these medicines by its generic name.
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What medication can damage kidneys?

Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. None of these medicines should be taken daily or regularly without first talking to your healthcare provider.
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Keeping Kidneys Safe - Know How Medicines Affect the Kidneys



What are signs of kidney damage?

Depending on how severe it is, loss of kidney function can cause:
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Urinating more or less.
  • Decreased mental sharpness.
  • Muscle cramps.
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What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Signs of Kidney Disease
  • You're more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. ...
  • You're having trouble sleeping. ...
  • You have dry and itchy skin. ...
  • You feel the need to urinate more often. ...
  • You see blood in your urine. ...
  • Your urine is foamy. ...
  • You're experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes.
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How long does high blood pressure take to damage kidneys?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the US. Severe high blood pressure can harm kidney function over a relatively short period of time. Even mild forms of high blood pressure can damage kidneys over several years.
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How can I protect my kidneys from medication?

You can protect your kidneys by lowering cholesterol. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Be sure to get regular exercise. And again, take the medicines your doctor prescribes.
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How much BP can damage kidneys?

For most healthy people, a blood pressure of 140/90 or more is too high. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, a blood pressure of 130/80 or more is too high.
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What are the long term effects of taking blood pressure medication?

Over time, however, they can cause insomnia and sleep disorders, depression, poor circulation (in the form of cold hands and feet), and erectile dysfunction. As with diuretics, Beta Blockers can affect the sugar reading of diabetics, so it is important to check your readings often.
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What are the safest blood pressure medications?

Methyldopa, which works to lower blood pressure through the central nervous system, has the lowest risk of harming the mother and developing fetus. Other possible safe options include labetalol, beta-blockers, and diuretics.
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Can kidneys repair themselves?

While a damaged kidney typically can't repair itself, the condition can be treated if caught early. Acute kidney failure can be reversed with prompt hospitalization, although the recovery process can take weeks to months and requires regular monitoring, diet modifications, and medications.
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What is the safest blood pressure medicine for the elderly?

There is no age threshold beyond which hypertension should not be treated. Thiazide diuretics are first-line therapy for isolated systolic hypertension, and they should be considered in any antihypertensive regimen in older persons.
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How can I improve my kidney function naturally?

Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.
  1. Keep active and fit. ...
  2. Control your blood sugar. ...
  3. Monitor blood pressure. ...
  4. Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet. ...
  5. Drink plenty of fluids. ...
  6. Don't smoke. ...
  7. Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take. ...
  8. Have your kidney function tested if you're at high risk.
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What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys?

Water: Water is simply the best drink you can have! Water is a zero-calorie, perfectly hydrating, cheap drink. If you are in the earlier stages of kidney disease, choosing water most of the time to quench your thirst will keep your body and kidneys functioning well.
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What vitamins are hard on kidneys?

You may need to avoid some vitamins and minerals if you have kidney disease. Some of these include vitamins A, E and K. These vitamins are more likely to build up in your body and can cause harm if you have too much. Over time, they can cause dizziness, nausea, and even death.
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Is kidney damage from high blood pressure reversible?

Common Causes of CKD include diabetes and high blood pressure. While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, and damage cannot be reversed, treatment focuses on managing underlying conditions, reducing symptoms and controlling the progression of damage, such as: Fluid Build-Up. Congestive Heart Failure.
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How can I check my kidneys at home?

One of the best ways to test for CKD and assess kidney damage is a simple urine test which detects the presence of albumin. The smartphone app from Healthy.io enables lay users to conduct a urinalysis test at home and securely share results with their clinicians.
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Does peeing a lot lower blood pressure?

Did you know that having a full bladder can raise your blood pressure by 10 points or more? When the bladder is full of urine, it puts pressure on the kidneys. This can lead to higher blood pressure.
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Is drinking a lot of water good for your kidneys?

Water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep your blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to your kidneys, and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if you become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
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What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?

Light-brown or tea-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease/failure or muscle breakdown.
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Where do you itch with kidney disease?

It may affect your whole body or be limited to a specific area – usually your back or arms. Itching tends to affects both sides of the body at the same time and may feel internal, like a crawling feeling just below the skin.
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Can Covid cause kidney problems?

Signs of kidney problems in patients with COVID-19 include high levels of protein or blood in the urine and abnormal blood work. Studies indicate more than 30% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 develop kidney injury, and more than 50% of patients in the intensive care unit with kidney injury may require dialysis.
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Are bananas good for kidneys?

Bananas are not bad for the kidneys unless the kidneys are damaged. Damaged kidneys build up potassium in the blood, resulting in serious heart problems. Potassium is present in bananas, other fruits and vegetables (such as potatoes, avocados and melons).
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