What Causes Brain Aneurysm In Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease(PKD) is a genetic condition that causes multiple cysts to develop on the kidneys. It is reported that around 1 in every 1,000 people is born with ADPKD. Of these people, around 1 in 20 will have aneurysm in the brain. Then what are the causes of brain aneurysm?

Brain aneurysms can be caused by a weakness in the walls of blood vessels in the brain. Several factors can increase the risk for brain aneurysm, like high blood pressure in PKD, which is a leading cause of brain aneurysm.

Why do patients in PKD have high blood pressure?

With the enlargement of cysts, they will oppress the surrounding nephrons, which will lead to kidney ischemia and hypoxia. As a result, kidneys will secrete more renin. Then renin will transform angiotensin I into angiotensin II, vasoconstrictive agent. In this case, high blood pressure presents. When people have high blood pressure, their blood vessels will become very weaker. Thus, brain aneurysms are more likely to develop at the points where blood vessels are weaker. In this sense, stopping the cysts from enlarging and shrinking the enlarged cysts are vital in controlling high blood pressure.

How to control high blood pressure?

1. Limit salt intake

No matter you are a polycystic kidney disease or a healthy person, you all need to limit salt or sodium intake. High salt or sodium intake will increase the risk for high blood pressure or aggravate high blood pressure. Thus, in your daily diet, canned food, processed food, pickle, baked meat, etc all should be avoided.

2. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink

If you drink excessively than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can also raise blood pressure. Besides, it can also reduce the efficacy of hypotensives.

Apart from high blood pressure, smoking and family history can also be factors of brain aneurysm in polycystic kidney disease. If you want to know further information of brain aneurysm, you can leave us a message below or send a message to kidneycares@hotmail.com. Remember we are always here to help you.