Damage to the kidneys

Kidneys filter extra fluid and waste from the blood — a process that requires healthy blood vessels. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in and leading to the kidneys. Having diabetes along with high blood pressure can worsen the damage.

Damaged blood vessels prevent the kidneys from being effective at filtering waste from the blood. This allows dangerous levels of fluid and waste to collect. When the kidneys don't work well enough on their own, it's a serious condition called kidney failure. Treatment may include dialysis or a kidney transplant. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney failure.