Renin is an enzyme produced by special cells in the kidneys.The function of the enzyme renin is to increase blood pressure. In addition, the renin enzyme is also usually checked to assess whether there is a disturbance in kidney function.
In the body, the enzyme renin does not work alone. To regulate blood pressure, the enzyme renin works with the hormones aldosterone and angiotensin, forming a system called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The work of the RAAS involves various organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and brain.
Renin Enzyme Function
Some of the functions of the renin enzyme in the body are:
Increase blood pressure
Hypotension or low blood pressure can reduce blood flow, so there are organs or body tissues at risk of lack of oxygen.
When blood pressure in the body decreases, special cells in the kidneys will detect the condition and then respond by releasing the enzyme renin into the bloodstream.
Renin enzyme released by the kidneys will convert the hormone angiotensin into angiotensin I and angiotensin II which are responsible for increasing blood flow. The goal is to improve blood circulation so that oxygen and nutrients can be distributed throughout the body.
Regulate kidney function in controlling blood pressure
When renin stimulates the formation of angiotensin II, the adrenal glands near the kidneys will also be stimulated to produce the hormone aldosterone.
This aldosterone will make the kidneys filter more water, electrolytes, and salt in the blood. This then makes the amount of fluid and electrolytes in the body increase, so that blood pressure increases.
When the production of the renin enzyme is problematic due to kidney disease or there is a disturbance in the RAAS, the blood pressure in the body will be continuously high and cause hypertension. Therefore, the renin enzyme examination is usually done by a doctor to detect the cause of hypertension.
To treat hypertension caused by disturbances in the function of the renin and RAAS enzymes, doctors can give ACE antihypertensive drugs. inhibitor, ARBs, and renin inhibitors, such as aliskiren.
Maintain Renin Enzyme Function
The function of the renin enzyme is important to keep blood pressure in the body well controlled. Renin enzyme dysfunction can be prevented by maintaining kidney health and avoiding factors that trigger high blood pressure.
This step can be done in the following way:
1. Take care of your diet
Eat a nutritionally balanced diet. For those of you who are at risk of suffering from high blood pressure, it is recommended to undergo the DASH diet to keep blood pressure stable.
2. Reduce salt intake
You are recommended to limit salt intake to only 1,500 mg of sodium per day or not to exceed 2,300 mg per day. This level is equivalent to 1.5 – 2 teaspoons of salt per day. Reducing salt intake in the diet can keep blood pressure stable and maintain heart and kidney health.
Limiting daily salt intake can be started by limiting the consumption of packaged foods and replacing salt with other ingredients or spices to make food more flavorful.
3. Exercise regularly
Any type of exercise as long as it is done regularly is proven to maintain weight and stabilize blood pressure. The recommended duration of exercise is at least 30 minutes per day.
You can choose simple exercises, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga. If you have time, you can also do weight training at gym to maintain heart health.
4. Avoid and manage stress
Avoiding and managing stress can maintain physical, emotional health, and keep blood pressure stable. To reduce stress, do activities that make you more relaxed, such as listening to music, meditating, exercising, or going for a walk.
5. Check your blood pressure regularly
It is important that blood pressure is monitored regularly. Blood pressure checks can be done in hospitals, health centers, doctor's offices, or at home using a sphygmomanometer at home.
If you are detected to have high blood pressure, try to consult further with your doctor to get treatment, so that your blood pressure is controlled.
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you are also advised to stop smoking and limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol to prevent high blood pressure.
Disturbances in the enzyme renin do not always cause symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly have a medical check-up with your doctor to assess the condition of your kidneys and renin enzymes.
Regular health checks are also important for those of you who have been diagnosed with hypertension and are undergoing treatment.