If you have atherosclerosis in the arteries leading to your kidneys, you develop high blood pressure or kidney failure.

Why does atherosclerosis cause hypertension?

How High Blood Pressure Causes Atherosclerosis. When the heart beats, it pushes blood through the arteries in your entire body. Higher blood pressures mean that with each beat, arteries throughout the body swell and stretch more than they would normally.

Are hypertension and atherosclerosis closely related?

Hypertension is not only a well-established cardiovascular risk factor but also increases the risk of atherosclerosis.