Can a low salt intake and drinking plenty of fluids prevent polycystic kidney disease?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a hypertensive patient with a blood pressure range of 125/90 mm of Hg. I am using medications and made lifestyle changes for two years. I have been using tablet Micardis 40 mg for a week and yet to start tablet Tolvaptan. I have used tablet Concor COR 2.5 mg in the past. Also, I am attaching my laboratory reports. I want to consult regarding hypertension and polycystic kidney disease.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I have seen your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Tablet Telmisartan 40 mg can be taken as your blood pressure is 119/98 mm of Hg. However, as a young person, you must target your blood pressure to 110/70 mm of Hg. Therefore, I suggest you monitor your blood pressure and change the dose of anti-hypertensives accordingly.

Regarding the treatment of polycystic kidney disease, I suggest you make some lifestyle changes like low salt intake and drinking plenty of water, which is important to prevent the growth of cysts in the kidneys. Also, as the kidney size is not much increased, you do not require tablet Tolvaptan.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further questions.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you continue lifestyle changes and tablet Telmisartan. Yes, controlling the blood pressure and using Telmisartan will help maintain or decrease protein in the urine. Regarding alcohol intake, moderation in alcohol intake is allowed. I suggest you get a CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to check the size of the kidney, and only then start tablet Tolvaptan.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.