High blood pressure causes kidney failure. In addition, it is a complication caused by kidney failure, and by damaging the blood vessels, it increases the likelihood of a stroke, heart attack, and other problems with the circulation.

Lowering blood pressure considerably reduces this risk.

A patient with high blood pressure over a period of time may require dialysis sooner than would otherwise be necessary. This is because uncontrolled high blood pressure can accelerate kidney failure.

In fact, controlling blood pressure is the only thing proven to delay the need for dialysis in kidney patients, regardless of the cause of their kidney failure. Good blood pressure control does not necessarily mean they will never need dialysis, but it may mean that dialysis does not need to be started so soon.

Good blood pressure control may also prolong the life of a kidney transplant.

Good blood pressure control begins with monitoring blood pressure.