The renal arteries carry a large volume of blood from the heart to the kidneys. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. You have two renal arteries. The right renal artery supplies blood to the right kidney, while the left artery sends blood to the left kidney.
The renal arteries are large blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your kidneys. Renal is another word for kidney.
You have two renal arteries. The right renal artery supplies blood to the right kidney, while the left artery sends blood to the left kidney.
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The renal arteries are part of the circulatory system. They carry large amounts of blood from the aorta (the heart’s main artery) to the kidneys. Approximately 1/2 cup of blood passes through your kidneys from the renal arteries every minute.
Your kidneys are part of the urinary system. They filter blood waste products and excess fluid, which your body gets rid of when you pee. Healthy kidneys can filter up to 150 quarts of blood every day.
You have two renal arteries, one for each kidney. The right renal artery connects to the right kidney. The left renal artery connects to the left kidney. Your kidneys sit in the back of your abdomen (belly), just above your waist.
Each renal artery is about 1½ to 2 inches (4 to 6 centimeters) long. The renal arteries start at the abdominal aorta. This branch of the aorta, your heart’s main blood vessel, feeds vessels in your abdomen.
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Each renal artery enters a kidney at a site called the renal hilum. This area is the entry and exit point for vessels and nerves that feed into the kidneys.
From there, the artery branches into smaller blood vessels throughout the kidney. Branches of the renal artery include:
Deposits of fat and cholesterol (plaque) can build up in the renal arteries. These plaque deposits can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries) and renal artery stenosis (blockages).
Blood flows more slowly through narrowed renal arteries. As a result, pressure builds up in blood vessels throughout the body. Renal artery stenosis can lead to:
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If a renal artery blockage affects less than 60% of the artery, it may improve with lifestyle and dietary changes. These steps can keep your renal arteries and kidneys healthy:
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The renal arteries send a large volume of blood to the kidneys every day for filtering. These arteries play a critical role in kidney health. Plaque can build up in them, causing renal artery stenosis. This condition slows blood flow and affects kidney function. You may develop high blood pressure that’s difficult to treat. Your healthcare provider can help you improve your diet and lifestyle to lower the risk of kidney disease.
Last reviewed on 09/13/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy