In renal vascular hypertension, which physical finding is commonly sought?

In renal vascular hypertension, which physical finding is commonly sought?

• A. Abdominal bruit
• B. Peripheral edema
• C. Orthostatic hypotension
• D. Palpable abdominal mass

Answer: (A)

Renal artery stenosis causing renovascular hypertension often presents with an abdominal bruit because the narrowed renal artery creates turbulent blood flow that can be heard with auscultation. The underlying mechanism is decreased perfusion to the kidney, which triggers renin release and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, raising blood pressure. Hearing an abdominal bruit is a classic clue in this scenario. Peripheral edema is more typical of volume overload states or kidney failure, orthostatic hypotension isn’t a defining feature of renovascular hypertension, and a palpable abdominal mass would suggest other issues such as an enlarged kidney or abdominal pathology rather than this vascular problem.

Renal artery stenosis causing renovascular hypertension often presents with an abdominal bruit because the narrowed renal artery creates turbulent blood flow that can be heard with auscultation. The underlying mechanism is decreased perfusion to the kidney, which triggers renin release and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, raising blood pressure. Hearing an abdominal bruit is a classic clue in this scenario.

Peripheral edema is more typical of volume overload states or kidney failure, orthostatic hypotension isn’t a defining feature of renovascular hypertension, and a palpable abdominal mass would suggest other issues such as an enlarged kidney or abdominal pathology rather than this vascular problem.