Daijiworld Media Network - Vienna

Vienna, Mar 28: High blood pressure can silently impair kidney function long before clinical symptoms emerge, according to a new study by the Medical University of Vienna. Researchers found that hypertension can lead to structural damage in podocytes specialised cells in the renal filter even without diabetes or other pre-existing conditions.

Published in the journal Hypertension, the study examined kidney tissue from 99 patients, including those with high blood pressure and diabetes. Using AI-based imaging analysis, researchers discovered that hypertensive patients had a reduced density of podocytes and enlarged cell nuclei, indicating early kidney damage.

“These findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment to slow kidney disease progression and prevent long-term complications,” said researchers Rainer Oberbauer and Heinz Regele.

The study underscores the need for routine blood pressure monitoring and timely intervention to protect kidney health before irreversible damage occurs.