Overview

Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure and reduced kidney function. The Kidney Clinic diagnoses and manages it to preserve kidney health.

Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS)

When the arteries feeding your kidneys narrow, blood flow drops — driving stubborn high blood pressure and declining kidney function. Early diagnosis protects your kidneys.

14+Years of practice

2Clinics in Surat

About the condition

What is renal artery stenosis?

Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of one or both arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, most often caused by atherosclerosis — a build-up of fatty plaque on the artery walls. The reduced blood flow can lead to high blood pressure that is hard to control and a gradual decline in kidney function.

At The Kidney Clinic, Dr. Anil K. Patel provides accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan matched to the severity of the narrowing — from medication and lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures.

Know the signs

Symptoms & causes

RAS can be silent early on. As it progresses, watch for:

High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Sudden worsening of previously controlled hypertension
Declining kidney function
Fluid retention
Occasional abdominal or flank pain

The main cause is atherosclerosis. Less commonly it stems from fibromuscular dysplasia or vasculitis. Risk rises with high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and age.

Why it matters

How RAS affects your health

Left untreated, renal artery stenosis can have wide-reaching effects:

Causes uncontrolled hypertension that strains the heart
Reduces kidney function over time
May progress to kidney failure if untreated
Complicates blood-pressure management in dialysis patients

Timely diagnosis and the right management are key to preventing these complications and protecting your kidney function.

How we help

Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Blood-pressure monitoring and blood tests for kidney function, plus imaging — Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography — to confirm and measure the narrowing.

Medication & lifestyle

For many patients, blood-pressure and cholesterol control, antiplatelet medication, and lifestyle changes are enough to manage the condition and its risks.

Restoring blood flow

For severe stenosis or significant kidney dysfunction, minimally invasive angioplasty with stenting — or, rarely, bypass surgery — reopens the artery and restores flow.

Follow-up & monitoring

Regular review protects your kidney function, keeps blood pressure in check, and catches any recurrence or new narrowing early.

Stay protected

Managing & preventing RAS

Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes well controlled
Eat a heart-healthy, balanced diet
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking and manage stress
Take medications as prescribed and attend follow-ups

Why patients trust us

Why choose Dr. Anil K. Patel

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14+ years of dedicated nephrology and dialysis practice

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Specialist training at MPUH Nadiad under Dr. M.M. Rajapurkar

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Multidisciplinary care — nephrology with vascular and interventional input

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Transplant centre partnerships with Mahavir Hospital & Universal Hospital

Advanced imaging and minimally invasive angioplasty & stenting

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Care in English, Hindi & Gujarati, with prompt response

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is renal artery stenosis (RAS)?

The narrowing of one or both arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. Reduced blood flow can cause high blood pressure and affect kidney function.

What causes it?

Most often atherosclerosis — plaque build-up in the arteries. Less common causes include fibromuscular dysplasia and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).

What are the symptoms?

Often none early on. As it progresses it can cause uncontrolled hypertension, kidney dysfunction, fluid retention, and heart problems; occasionally abdominal or flank pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Through blood-pressure monitoring, blood tests for kidney function, and imaging such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography to assess the narrowing.

Can it be treated without surgery?

Often yes — medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol may be enough. If stenosis is severe or harming kidney function, angioplasty and stenting may be recommended.

How does RAS affect dialysis patients?

It can further compromise kidney function and complicate blood-pressure control, so dialysis patients should be monitored regularly for it.

Can RAS lead to kidney failure?

If left untreated, severe stenosis can advance kidney disease and potentially lead to kidney failure — making timely diagnosis and management essential.

Is surgery the only option?

No. Depending on severity and your overall health, options range from lifestyle changes and medication to angioplasty and stenting.

What lifestyle changes help?

A balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking prescribed medications all play a significant role.

Can RAS come back after treatment?

Yes, especially if the underlying cause such as atherosclerosis isn't addressed. Regular follow-up helps detect any recurrence early.

Concerned about renal artery stenosis?

Speak directly with Dr. Anil K. Patel for prompt diagnosis and treatment that protects your blood pressure and kidney health.

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Renal Artery Stenosis