Signs Of Alport Syndrome

Hypertension

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is also a common symptom of Alport syndrome. A person with normal blood pressure will have a reading of 120 over 80 (systolic over diastolic). The reading would need to be higher than 130 over 80 to qualify as high blood pressure. In Alport syndrome, high blood pressure occurs as a result of the underlying kidney condition. However, high blood pressure can also occur without being caused by an underlying condition.

Hypertension has some associated risks. For instance, if unmanaged, it could cause a stroke, heart attack, or other problems related to the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure can sometimes be managed by reducing the stress levels in and increasing the rate of physical exercise. It may also be controlled with different medications. However, in Alport syndrome patients, it's more important to treat the underlying condition than high blood pressure alone. Easing the symptoms of the kidney disease will lead to a reduction in blood pressure.

Protein In The Urine

Protein in urine, otherwise known as proteinuria, tends to be a sign of kidney disease. It can be a symptom of Alport syndrome and other kidney conditions. When the kidneys are healthy, a great deal of protein won't pass throughout the filters. But when Alport syndrome or other kidney disease damages the filters, proteins may leak from the blood into the urine.

Another common cause of proteinuria is an overproduction of protein by the body. When Alport syndrome doesn't present with blood in the urine as the first symptom, sometimes proteinuria will be the first symptom found. It is discovered when a urine test is done during a routine physical exam. If proteinuria is found in a patient's urine test, the doctor will follow it up with blood tests to check the kidney function. Patients with a genetic history of Alport syndrome should have urine tests done semi-regularly to make sure their kidneys are functioning correctly.