NephroPlus calls out that Hypertension is a leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure

· High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease).

· 3 out of 4 patients on hemodialysis suffer from Hypertension

· Hypertension is not only the cause but also the consequence of CKD.

· Blood pressure control is influenced by the frequency of Dialysis (70% are in 2/week or less than 2 per week HD).

· In addition, diet and medications influence blood pressure control among dialysis patients

National, 17th May 2022 – NephroPlus, India’s largest dialysis network that redefines dialysis care in India, reveals the Prevalence of Hypertension in patients with CKD, highlighting the importance of managing blood pressure at a very early stage.

Uncontrolled Hypertension, a common disorder, is associated with increased long-term risk of several severe conditions. However, awareness of the health risks of uncontrolled Hypertension is not well understood. Even when patients are under the care of specialists, they frequently have a limited understanding of fundamental aspects, including symptoms, diet options, medications benefit and risks, and lastly, the importance and ease of self-monitoring

Dr. Suresh Sankar explains, “High blood pressure or Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease and kidney failure. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries cannot deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue. It can lead to injury to kidney filters, protein loss in the urine, and kidney damage.”

However, there has been very little research to contextualize this observation with a keen focus on patients undergoing Dialysis. Dr. Suresh Sankar further adds that  “The unanswered questions in India include timing of blood pressure measurement, the significance of systolic or diastolic blood pressure, type of medications and lastly fluid management on dialysis patients with lower frequency of Dialysis. Oddly, it is a common problem that has not received its due importance.”

NephroPlus, a leading dialysis care brand in the country, is committed to improving the life of dialysis patients and helping them live better, also deep-dived into the subject to understand the effects of Hypertension in various age groups, sex, and zones of the people from 0 to 60 years, with findings showing that diet and medications influence blood pressure control among dialysis patients.

A total of 16,847 dialysis patients were studied. According to the study, 3 out of 4 patients on Dialysis were hypertensive. Excess weight, lack of exercise or activity, and a diet high in sodium combined with genetic predisposition place these older women at risk for developing high blood pressure.

While most studies reveal that globally, a more significant percentage of men have a high blood pressure than women, the Nephroplus study revealed the rising cases of Hypertension in females in the 21-40 age group indicating that Hypertension is a health  problem in the younger female population as well.

Dr. Suresh Sankar, Senior Vice President, Clinical Affairs at NephroPlus, said, “Hypertension is present in 2/3 to ¾ patients on hemodialysis. Blood pressure count is influenced by the frequency of Dialysis (70% are in 2 weeks or less than 2 per week hemodialysis). In addition, diet and medications influence blood pressure control among dialysis patients.”

“This study provides a national snapshot of the effect of Hypertension on dialysis patients in the population across India. Hypertension is easy to detect, preventable, treatable, and inexpensive.  Incorporating a healthy lifestyle by including adequate fruits and vegetables and less processed food is necessary. One should be physically active and perform the exercise at least 30 minutes five times a week. Say no to smoking and maintain body weight in the recommended range.” Added Dr. Sankar

Kamal D Shah, Co-Founder and Director (Guest Services) at NephroPlus and the study’s co-author, says, “Dialysis Patients must keep their blood pressure levels in check. In patients undergoing Dialysis, normal blood pressure may be defined as the mean ambulatory blood pressure of less than 135/85 mmHg during the day and less than 120/80 mmHg by night. We’re the trailblazers in conducting such wide-scale studies to determine how Hypertension can affect CKD and dialysis patients.”

The team put together by NephroPlus is a highly professional unit, riding on expertise, passion for service, and a sincere yearning for excellence. As a leading dialysis service provider in over 160 cities across India, NephroPlus is concerned with providing dialysis care in India and its surroundings and educating dialysis individuals with the correct information and guidance.