How does chronic kidney disease affect blood pressure?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly affects blood pressure by often leading to secondary hypertension. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure through various mechanisms, including the control of fluid balance, electrolyte homeostasis, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). As kidney function declines in CKD, there is an impairment in these regulatory processes, which can result in fluid overload. This excess fluid can increase blood volume, leading to elevated blood pressure.

Furthermore, damaged kidneys may also produce excess renin and angiotensin II, compounds that cause blood vessels to constrict, thereby raising blood pressure further. As a result, individuals with CKD frequently experience hypertension, making it a critical consideration in their management and treatment.

Other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between CKD and blood pressure. For instance, the suggestion that CKD decreases blood pressure overlooks the mechanisms that can cause fluid retention and increased vascular resistance. The claim that CKD has no relationship with blood pressure is fundamentally incorrect, as the connection is well-established in medical literature. Lastly, the notion that CKD causes hypotension does not accurately convey the typical hypertensive response seen in affected patients, especially in advanced stages of the disease.