A renal artery ultrasound evaluates the blood flow to the kidneys. Narrowing or blockages in the renal arteries can cause secondary hypertension (high blood pressure) and lead to kidney dysfunction.
It is often performed when:
- Blood pressure is difficult to control with medication
- There’s a sudden worsening of kidney function
- Patients are young and develop high blood pressure without a clear cause
If a blockage is found, it can often be treated with procedures like angioplasty or stenting to restore blood flow and improve both blood pressure and kidney health.