Renal Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Renal Artery Disease?
A nephrologist specializes in kidney diseases and often helps manage renal artery disease. Some patients are also treated by a vascular specialist. A primary care doctor usually starts by checking blood pressure, ordering tests, and making a referral when needed.
What it is
Renal artery disease is a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. When these arteries become narrow or blocked, the kidneys may not get enough blood, which can lead to high blood pressure and, over time, kidney damage.
Symptoms
Many people with renal artery disease have no symptoms, especially early on. It is often found during checks for hard-to-treat high blood pressure. Symptoms may include blood pressure that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly, especially in younger people or adults over 55. In severe cases, a blocked renal artery can cause sudden side or back pain, sometimes with fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Causes and who gets it
The most common cause is atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque made of fat and cholesterol inside the artery walls. A less common cause is fibromuscular dysplasia, an abnormal growth in the artery wall seen mostly in younger women. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and older age.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors start by checking blood pressure and doing blood and urine tests to see how well the kidneys are working. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography can show whether the renal arteries are narrowed.
Treatment
Treatment often starts with medicines to control blood pressure and lower cholesterol, along with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating well, and exercising. Some people also need a procedure to widen the artery, usually with a balloon and a stent. The right plan depends on the cause and kidney function.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for high blood pressure that is hard to control, especially at a young age or over 55. Get medical care quickly for sudden side or back pain with fever, nausea, or vomiting, and for leg swelling or changes in urination.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can manage day-to-day care, including blood pressure checks, kidney tests, medicines, and lifestyle changes. If imaging or a procedure is needed, they would refer the patient to a specialist.
Common questions
Can renal artery disease be cured?
There is no simple cure, but treatment can often control blood pressure and protect the kidneys. What happens varies from person to person. Some people do well with medicines alone, while others need a procedure.
Does a narrowed renal artery always need surgery?
No. Many people are managed with medicines and lifestyle changes. Doctors usually reserve procedures for people whose blood pressure stays high despite treatment or whose kidney function is declining.
Is renal artery disease the same as kidney disease?
Not exactly. Renal artery disease affects the blood vessels that feed the kidneys. Over time, poor blood flow can damage the kidneys, so the two problems can be connected.
Can young people get renal artery disease?
Yes, though it is less common. Younger people who get it more often have fibromuscular dysplasia, an abnormal growth in the artery wall, rather than plaque buildup.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Atheroembolic renal disease
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - congenital renal artery stenosis - National Organization for Rare Disorders
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
