High Blood Pressure Can Damage Kidneys  High Blood Pressure Can
Damage Kidneys  Most people know that high blood pressure puts
you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke. But you might
be surprised to learn that high blood pressure can also damage
the kidneys.  High blood pressure (140/90), also called
hypertension, is a leading cause of kidney disease in the United
States. Neither high blood pressure nor kidney disease usually
has symptoms. The best way to protect your kidneys is to have
your blood pressure checked regularly.  Irreversible effects
High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the
kidneys that filter waste out of the blood. This affects the
kidneys' ability to function and causes wastes to build up. The
damage usually occurs slowly, over many years, and may not cause
any symptoms at first, says the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute (NHBLI). Often the only way to find out whether the
kidneys have been damaged is with one of two tests: a urine test
or a blood test.  Sin