HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE is a common medical condition where the pressure inside the arteries becomes a lot higher than usual. Often referred to...
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE is a common medical condition where the pressure inside the arteries becomes a lot higher than usual. Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’, what is the worrying sign in your urine that could mean you are at risk?
High blood pressure is a serious condition and symptoms are not alway obvious. A person should look out for signs of the condition where possible because if detected early, the risk of developing more serious health issue’s decreases. High blood pressure is often referred to a hypertension and a person’s urine could hold a lot of clues to whether they may have high blood pressure or not. Have you ever noticed this?Blood Pressure UK said on their website: “How healthy your kidneys are can affect your blood pressure, and vice versa.
"This means that if you have high blood pressure, then you are more likely to have kidney disease.
"Likewise, if you have kidney disease, this can sometimes cause high blood pressure.”
If you notice blood in your urine, known medically as hematuria, this could be a major warning sign of high blood pressure.
Blood in the urine could also be another serious medical condition and it is strongly advised to see your GP and shouldn’t be ignored.
All cases of hematuria should be evaluated by a doctor who can order tests to confirm or rule out an underlying condition.
Noticing blood in your urine could come from the kidneys, where urine is made. It can also come from other structures in the urinary tract such as ureters, bladder or urethra.
Hematuria means that red blood cells are in the urine. Urine does not normally contain red bloods cells.
The filters in the kidney prevent blood from entering the urine. When you have hematuria, the filters in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract allow blood to leak into the urine.
Microscopic hematuria means the blood can only be seen with a microscope. Gross hematuria means the urine appears red or the colour of tea or cola to the naked eye.
The PKD Foundation said on their website: “High blood pressure affects about 60 to 70 per cent of kidney disease patients. In ordinary circumstances, the kidneys make renin when blood pressure is low and the kidneys sense they need more blood flow.
"This is considered a protective mechanism. There is a relationship between poor blood pressure control and progressive loss of kidney function.
"Even if you do not have hypertension, you should have your own blood pressure cuff to monitor and log your blood pressure regularly.”
The National Kidney Foundation said on their website: “Adults who have microscopic hematuia with normal blood pressure and kidney function should have their urine checked over several months.
High blood pressure: Blood and urine tests need to be done to determine the cause of the blood
High blood pressure: A person should regularly have their blood pressure measuredIf blood in the urine continues a kidney ultrasound may be performed.
Adults who have microscopic hematurie with high blood pressure, abnormal blood tests, a family history of kidney disease or high levels of protein in the urine may need to have a kidney biopsy.
“If you have high blood pressure, you will probably have tests on your kidneys.
"This is because high blood pressure can raise your risk of kidney disease. In the first instance, your doctor may try to do a urine test to check for protein or blood.
"A blood test may be done to determine how much fluid is in the kidneys, this is called your glomerular filtration rate and means that your kidneys are not working properly.
"If these tests show that your have some degree of kidney disease, your doctor may suggest an ultrasound scan on your kidneys.
