What is Renal Artery Stenosis?

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a narrowing of the renal artery, the blood vessel that carries blood to the kidneys. This condition can cause a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and in some cases kidney failure. RAS is most commonly caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the walls of the artery, but it can also be caused by a congenital defect or injury. RAS is diagnosed with an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Treatment for RAS depends on the severity of the narrowing, but can include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Symptoms of Renal Artery Stenosis

The most common symptom of RAS is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension can cause headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Other symptoms of RAS can include swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, as well as fatigue and decreased urine output.

Diagnosis and Tests for Renal Artery Stenosis

If your doctor suspects you have RAS, they will order tests to confirm the diagnosis. An ultrasound is the most common test used to diagnose RAS. This test uses sound waves to create an image of the artery and can detect a narrowing of the artery. Other tests that may be used to diagnose RAS include CT scans and MRIs.

Treatment and Medications for Renal Artery Stenosis

The treatment for RAS will depend on the severity of the narrowing and the symptoms you are experiencing. Mild cases of RAS may be treated with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. These medications can include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics. If the narrowing is more severe, your doctor may recommend surgery. This surgery, called angioplasty, involves inserting a balloon into the artery to open it up and restore normal blood flow. In some cases, a stent may be inserted to keep the artery open.

Risk Factors for Renal Artery Stenosis

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing RAS, including age, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. If you have a family history of RAS, you may be more likely to develop the condition as well.

Complications of Renal Artery Stenosis

If left untreated, RAS can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure or stroke. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat, aneurysm, or heart attack.

Prevention of Renal Artery Stenosis

The best way to prevent RAS is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, it is important to keep these conditions under control.

Renal Artery Stenosis ICD 10 Code

The ICD-10 code for RAS is I25.2. This code is used to identify the condition on medical records and billing information.

Conclusion

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a narrowing of the renal artery, the blood vessel that carries blood to the kidneys. This condition can cause a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and in some cases kidney failure. Diagnosis and treatment for RAS depends on the severity of the narrowing, but can include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. If left untreated, RAS can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure or stroke. The best way to prevent RAS is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.