Renovascular hypertension

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Abrupt onset of severe hypertension in a patient who previously had normal or only slightly elevated blood pressure should suggest a renovascular source, particularly if the patient is younger than age 30 or older than age 50. According to the author, medical management may control renovascular hypertension but often does not prevent continuing loss of renal function. Interventional therapy may be needed, including percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, renal revascularization, and nephrectomy.