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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
[Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease]
Antonio De Pascalis1, Alessandro Balducci2
1U.O. Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale Fazzi, Lecce, Italy.
Insights
Managing hypertension is crucial for slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Optimal blood pressure control, using ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics, is key but challenging in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is often independent of the initial cause once kidney function declines.
- Hypertension is a significant risk factor for CKD progression in both pediatric and adult populations.
- Achieving optimal blood pressure control (130/80 mmHg) is a primary therapeutic goal but rarely met.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of hypertension in CKD progression.
- To outline effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for blood pressure management in CKD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on hypertension and CKD.
- Analysis of therapeutic guidelines for managing blood pressure in CKD.
- Evaluation of drug classes including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics.
Main Results:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are most effective for proteinuric CKD.
- Dietary salt restriction can help manage extracellular volume expansion.
- Thiazide diuretics are suitable for mild CKD; loop diuretics are needed for advanced CKD.
Conclusions:
- Effective blood pressure management is essential for slowing CKD progression.
- A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions is often required.
- Tailored diuretic therapy based on CKD stage is necessary for optimal outcomes.
Abstract:
The progression of chronic kidney disease CKD is largely independent of the underlying kidney disorder once renal function has fallen below a critical level. Hypertension is an independent risk factor for disease progression in both adult and pediatric patients with kidney disorders. Optimal blood pressure control (130 /80mm Hg) represents a main goal of conservative therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease CKD but it is rarely achieved in clinical practice. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers are more effective than other drugs in slowing progression of proteinuric CKD. Dietary salt restriction (≤100 mEq/die of NaCl) may be useful to correct the extracellular volume expansion. If this intervention fails, hypertension can be treated by thiazide diuretics in patients with mild CKD, whereas loop diuretics at adequate doses are indicated in patients with more advanced CKD.
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