Tips to Prevent Kidney Damage from High Blood Pressure
- Rapidcare
- May 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Did you know high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney damage? For people with diabetes, keeping blood pressure in check is especially important to protect kidney health.
In this article, we’ll explain how high blood pressure affects your kidneys, share practical tips, and highlight key statistics to help you stay in control of your health.
Understanding the impact of blood pressure on kidney damage
Your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, keeping your body in balance. But when blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on these organs. Over time, this can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) — and if untreated, even kidney failure.
High blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in your kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively. For people with diabetes, the risk is even higher, as those tiny blood vessels are already under extra strain.
High blood pressure in the UK: key facts
Around 14.4 million people in the UK are estimated to have high blood pressure
30% of adults in England live with high blood pressure, many without realising it
High blood pressure contributes to 50% of chronic kidney disease cases
How to prevent your kidney damage from high blood pressure
What you eat and how you live has a big effect on both your blood pressure and kidney health. Small steps really do add up. Try these simple changes:
Cut down on salt – no more than a teaspoon a day
Eat more fruit and veg – aim for at least five portions daily
Choose whole grains – swap to wholemeal bread, brown rice, or oats
Limit processed foods – they often hide extra salt and sugar
Stay active – even a brisk 30-minute walk each day makes a difference
Check your blood pressure regularly – spot changes early
Drink water – around 6–8 glasses daily (unless advised otherwise)
Find ways to relax – stress can raise blood pressure, so try deep breathing, stretching, or meditation
If you smoke, seek support to quit – smoking damages blood vessels and raises risk
Need a hand planning meals? Our simple Eatwell Chart breaks it all down for you
Want to understand how our service can support your kidney care? Our friendly team can explain how it all works.
Recognising the warning signs of kidney damage
Kidney disease often develops quietly, but there are signs to watch for:
Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
Changes in urination, such as foamy urine or reduced frequency
Persistent high blood pressure, even when on medication
If you notice any of these symptoms, speak to your GP. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference.
Free NHS prescription delivery for kidney care
Managing diabetes and kidney health is easier with the right support. With discreet NHS prescription deliveries and a caring team, getting started is simple.
Frequently Asked Questions: Blood Pressure and Kidney Damage
1. How do the kidneys affect blood pressure?
Your kidneys help control blood pressure by balancing fluids in your body and releasing hormones that affect blood vessels.
When kidneys are under strain, this balance is disrupted, which can push blood pressure up.
2. What are the early warning signs of kidney damage?
Kidney problems often start quietly, but common signs include swelling in your ankles or hands, feeling unusually tired, or changes in urination (like foamy urine or going less often).
3. Can I bring my blood pressure down quickly?
Yes, drinking water, reducing salt, and practising deep breathing can help in the short term. But for long-term protection, lifestyle changes and medical guidance are key.
4. How do I lower blood pressure with just one kidney?
It’s possible to live well with one kidney. The main things are to keep salt intake low, stay active, manage stress, and have regular check-ups to monitor kidney function.
5. Can kidney damage from high blood pressure be reversed?
In the early stages, damage may improve with strict blood pressure control and healthy lifestyle choices.
More advanced damage usually can’t be reversed, but treatment can slow it down and protect what function remains.
