What's good for your heart is also good for your kidneys, according to recommendations from the Texas Campaign for Kidney Health. Controlling your blood pressure, especially if you have diabetes, is a critical step in protecting your kidneys from disease. Patients often cut back on their blood pressure medicines because they feel better or because they want to save money. According to James D. Lindley, MD, this could damage your long-term health.

Consistently taking your blood pressure medicines keeps your blood pressure in check, which in turn lessens the chance of high blood pressure damaging your kidneys. Like the heart, the kidneys' delicate tissues are susceptible to damage from high blood pressure, so it is important to take your blood pressure medications as prescribed.    

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.