Renal artery disease in the elderly

This brief review discusses the problem of atherosclerotic renal artery obstruction in the elderly. This disorder is common in the elderly; the overall incidence is estimated to be 10%. The disorder presents with new onset hypertension, a loss of control of BP or a decline in renal function in some patients. In others, the obstruction may be unmasked by the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blocker agents. The current approach to the diagnosis of renal artery obstruction is discussed as are the indications for invasive procedures. Careful patient selection for any invasive procedures is particularly important in the elderly since this population has a propensity to higher morbidity.