Controlling blood pressure | Is it just your heart’s desire?
Let’s not take it to heart, but your heart isn’t the only – or the most important ‑ organ that sends your blood pressure up or brings it down and many laymen would be surprised to learn that your kidneys aren’t a target of high or low blood pressure but in fact are the main organ that controls it!
Despite the fact that kidneys are purification filters, they’re constantly working to do far more than that by regulating water and salt etc in your blood to keep your blood pressure at the level it should be. When your blood pressure goes up, kidneys begin getting rid of extra salt and water from your blood when you pee. Expelling this extra fluid lowers pressure in your blood vessels.
A study says, “Kidneys do more than just that. They also make special messengers called hormones. These hormones talk to other parts of your body about blood pressure. One of these messengers is called renin. When blood pressure gets too low, kidneys send out renin. Renin starts a chain of events. This chain leads to something called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II makes your blood vessels squeeze tighter. This squeezing helps bring blood pressure back up.”
“Kidneys make another messenger too, called erythropoietin. This messenger tells your bones to make more red blood cells. More red blood cells mean more oxygen gets around your body. This also helps keep your blood pressure right.”
“Salt is a big deal for blood pressure. Kidneys are really good at handling salt. Too much salt makes your body hold on to extra water. Extra water in your blood vessels raises blood pressure. Kidneys help control this. They decide how much salt stays and how much leaves in your pee.”
When kidneys don’t work well, it often leads to high blood pressure. That’s why people with sick kidneys often have blood pressure problems. Their kidneys might not get rid of enough salt and water. Or they might make too much renin. This can lead to higher levels of angiotensin II.
Kidneys aren’t alone in controlling blood pressure. They work with your nerves, hormone makers, and even the lining of your blood vessels. All these parts work together to keep your blood pressure just right.
So next time you hear about high blood pressure, think about your kidneys. They’re under your rib cage, always working hard. They filter your blood, balance your fluids, and keep your blood pressure in check. Taking care of your kidneys is a great way to manage your blood pressure and stay healthy.
