A 45-year-old male with a history of smoking over 20 years complains about hypertension, this is the presentation, what is the most common cause for this condition?
Ans. (a) Atherosclerosis.Figure shown is an image for renal artery stenosis, observe the dark black spot at the origin of the renal artery, that is an obstruction caused by atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of renal artery stenosis, history of smoking supports atherosclerosis and this in turn explains renal artery stenosis. Hypertension is due to low blood pressure in the kidney which will trigger juxtaglomerular apparatus which will release renin which is responsible for conversion of angiotensin-1 to angiotensin-2 with the help ACE enzyme in the lungs resulting in secondary hypertension.Image source- style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif">
Atherosclerosis
Fibromuscular dysplasia
NF-1
Aortic dissection
Atherosclerosis