Be Careful! Signs of High Blood Pressure That Appear in Urine That Need to Be Watched Out For

Kapanlagi.com - Hypertension, or more commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries consistently remains above normal. Although it often does not show clear symptoms in the early stages, this condition is often referred to as a silent killer. However, if left untreated in the long term, hypertension can lead to various serious complications, including damage to the kidneys.

The kidneys play a vital role in the body, filtering blood and removing waste through urine. When blood pressure is too high, the blood vessels in the kidneys can suffer damage, which in turn disrupts the kidneys' ability to effectively filter blood. One sign that may appear as a result of this condition is changes in urine, which can be an indication of hypertension complications affecting the kidneys.

So, what are the signs of hypertension that can be recognized from changes in urine? Let's explore further in the following explanation.

1. 1. Presence of Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

One of the signs of hypertension that has already affected the kidneys is the presence of blood in the urine or hematuria.

How does high blood pressure cause hematuria?

• Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
• As a result, the kidneys cannot filter blood properly, causing red blood cells to leak into the urine.
• The color of the urine may change to pink, red, or brown, depending on the amount of blood present.

If you experience reddish urine without a clear cause (such as an infection or kidney stones), it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

2. 2. Foamy or Frothy Urine

Urine that appears foamy or frothy can be a sign of protein in the urine (proteinuria), which is often associated with kidney damage due to hypertension.

Why does hypertension cause proteinuria?

• High blood pressure can damage the kidney filters, causing proteins that should remain in the blood to leak into the urine.
• One of the proteins often found in this condition is albumin, which helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
• If the urine appears foamy, especially if the foam does not dissipate quickly after urination, it may be a sign of protein in the urine.

Long-term proteinuria can be an indicator of chronic kidney disease that requires immediate attention.

3. 3. Abnormal Frequency of Urination

Hypertension that has affected the kidneys can cause changes in urination patterns, both in terms of frequency and the volume of urine produced.

Possible changes that may occur:

• More frequent urination at night (nocturia), which may be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning properly.
• Less urine output than usual, which may indicate that the kidneys are beginning to lose their ability to filter fluids from the body.
• Painful or uncomfortable urination, which can be an additional symptom if hypertension has already caused infection or inflammation in the kidneys.

If you experience changes in urination habits, it is important to seek further examination to determine the cause.

4. 4. Dark or Concentrated Urine

Dark or concentrated urine can be an indication of kidney function problems caused by high blood pressure.

Causes of Dark Urine in Hypertensive Patients:

• Kidneys that do not function optimally can cause waste in the blood to not be filtered properly, resulting in urine appearing more concentrated.
• Dehydration caused by kidney disorders can also make urine appear darker than usual.
• If accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or increased blood pressure, this condition could be a sign of chronic kidney disease.

5. 5. Swelling in the Legs and Face Due to Fluid Retention

When hypertension disrupts kidney function, this organ cannot effectively eliminate fluid and salt, leading to fluid accumulation in the body.

Symptoms of Fluid Retention Due to Hypertension:

• Swelling in the areas of the legs, ankles, or face, especially in the morning.
• Reduced urine production that is darker in color, as the kidneys do not function optimally in eliminating fluid.
• A feeling of bloating or heaviness in the body due to fluid accumulation that cannot be properly expelled.

If you experience unusual swelling accompanied by other symptoms such as high blood pressure, consult a doctor immediately.

6. How to Prevent Kidney Damage Due to Hypertension?

Preventing kidney damage due to hypertension can be achieved by keeping blood pressure within normal limits and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Prevention steps:

• Regularly check blood pressure and ensure it remains within normal limits (below 140/90 mmHg).

• Limit salt intake, as sodium can raise blood pressure and put extra strain on the kidneys.

• Drink enough water, so that the kidneys can function optimally in filtering body waste.

• Consume healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat proteins to maintain kidney health.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can worsen hypertension and increase the risk of kidney disease.

• Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, to help keep blood pressure stable.

• Consult with a doctor if experiencing symptoms of hypertension or signs of kidney problems.

(kpl/mni)