High blood pressure is one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease. And kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure. No matter which came first, having high blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.

High blood pressure can constrict and narrow the blood vessels in your kidneys, which reduces blood flow and stops the kidneys from working well. When this happens, the kidneys are not able to remove all wastes and extra fluid from your body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels can raise your blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle, and cause more damage leading to kidney failure.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls as your heart pumps out blood. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is an increase in the amount of force that blood places on blood vessels as it moves through the body.

Symptoms of high blood pressure and kidney disease:

loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting

drowsiness, feeling tired, or sleep problems

headaches or trouble concentrating

increased or decreased urination

generalized itching or numbness, dry skin, or darkened skin

weight loss

muscle cramps

chest pain or shortness of breath