Renal artery disease

Renal artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis, hardening of the arteries due to the build up of fatty deposits or plaques along the artery wall. This build-up can reduce blood-flow to one or both kidneys, or block flow completely, depending on the location of the plaque.

Renal artery disease can also be caused by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), a condition usually found in young women between the ages of 20 and 40. FMD results in the overgrowth of tissue inside the artery in a characteristic “chain of beads” pattern. This condition can affect other arteries, as well.

Renal artery disease can result in:

• Renovascular hypertension
• Renal insufficiency