What is Renal Artery Disease?

Renal artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Plaque (fatty deposits and calcium) can collect within these arteries, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. The kidneys may then send signals to the body for more blood, increasing your blood pressure. This high blood pressure, coupled with the atherosclerosis, greatly increases stress on the heart, and could also lead to a stroke. The restriction of blood flow from the renal artery can also decrease the ability of the kidneys to filter and remove the waste and fluids from the body, leading to possible renal insufficiency and kidney failure.