Renal Artery: Location, Function, Blood Flow and Health
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What does the renal artery do?
The renal arteries carry large amounts of blood from the heart’s main artery, the aorta, to the kidneys. This blood supply allows the kidneys to filter waste and excess fluid. The arteries branch through each kidney into smaller vessels that support nephrons, glomeruli and tubules, where filtration and reabsorption help form urine. [1]
Core idea | Plain-language meaning |
Number | There are two renal arteries, one for each kidney. |
Starting point | Each begins at the abdominal aorta. |
Destination | The right renal artery supplies the right kidney; the left supplies the left kidney. |
Blood flow | About 1 liter (roughly 4 cups) of blood flows through the kidneys from the renal arteries every minute, and the kidneys filter about one-half cup of fluid from it. |
Entry point | Each artery enters its kidney through the renal hilum. |
Kidney link | Branches supply the tiny filters and tubules that process blood and help form urine. |
Main concern | Plaque can narrow or block an artery, causing renal artery stenosis. |
Symptoms to review | Blood in urine, swelling, urinary changes, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue or headaches. |
What the research says
Opening a narrowed kidney artery did not beat medicine alone in trials. A meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials with 2,139 patients found that angioplasty with or without stenting was not superior to medical therapy for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis on any outcome. Nonfatal heart attacks occurred in 6.74% of both the stenting and medical-therapy groups (odds ratio 0.998, 95% CI 0.698–1.427), and renal events occurred in 19.58% versus 20.53% (odds ratio 0.945, 95% CI 0.755–1.182) (Riaz et al., Am J Cardiol, 2014). [2]
Angioplasty may reduce how many blood-pressure medicines are needed, but other outcomes did not improve. A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials with 2,275 patients with hypertension due to atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis found that adding angioplasty to medical therapy reduced the number of antihypertensive drugs used (mean difference −0.42, 95% CI −0.71 to −0.12). There were no significant differences in cardiovascular death, cardiovascular events, blood-pressure change, decline in kidney function or serious adverse events (Fujiwara et al., Hypertens Res, 2025). [3]
What are the renal arteries?
The renal arteries are large blood vessels in the circulatory system. “Renal” means kidney. There are two: one carries blood to the right kidney and the other carries blood to the left kidney. [1]
The arteries are important because the kidneys need a steady blood supply to filter waste products and excess fluid from blood. The body removes the leftover fluid and waste as urine. [1]
Where are the renal arteries located?
The kidneys sit in the back of the abdomen, just above the waist. Each renal artery begins at the abdominal aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart and gives off branches that supply the abdomen. [1]
The right renal artery connects to the right kidney, and the left renal artery connects to the left kidney. Each artery is approximately 1½ to 2 inches, or 4 to 6 centimeters, long. [1]
What is the renal artery’s function?
The renal arteries deliver large amounts of blood from the aorta to the kidneys. About 1 liter (roughly 4 cups) of blood flows through the kidneys from the renal arteries every minute, and the kidneys filter about one-half cup of fluid from it.
The kidneys can filter waste products and excess fluid from that blood. Healthy kidneys can filter up to 150 quarts of blood every day. The filtered material and remaining fluid contribute to urine formation. [1]
How does blood move through the kidney?
Each renal artery enters the kidney at a site called the renal hilum. The hilum is the entry and exit point for vessels and nerves that feed into the kidney. [1]
From the hilum, the artery branches into smaller blood vessels throughout the kidney. The path runs through nephrons, glomeruli and tubules:
Kidney structure | Role in the pathway |
Renal hilum | Entry and exit point for vessels and nerves that feed the kidney. |
Nephron | Tiny kidney filter that receives blood from renal-artery branches. |
Glomerulus | Cluster of tiny blood vessels in a nephron where waste and water can move into tubules; proteins and blood cells stay in the glomeruli. |
Tubule | Removes waste; nearby blood vessels reabsorb filtered fluid, nutrients and minerals. |
Renal vein | Carries filtered blood away from the kidney and back into circulation. |
Urine | Leftover fluid and waste in the tubules become urine. |
What is renal artery stenosis?
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of a renal artery. Plaque made of fat and cholesterol can build up in the artery and contribute to atherosclerosis, or narrowed arteries. [1]
When a renal artery becomes narrowed, blood flows more slowly. This can cause pressure to build up in blood vessels throughout the body. Renal artery stenosis can lead to high blood pressure, renal or renovascular hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, kidney failure or stroke. [1]
This list describes possible health effects, not a diagnosis based on one symptom or one blood-pressure reading. A healthcare professional must interpret symptoms, examination findings and testing in context.
What symptoms may be linked with renal artery concerns?
Renal artery conditions may not be obvious from symptoms alone, so certain warning signs are worth raising with a healthcare provider. Contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Symptom or change | Why it deserves professional review |
Blood in urine | May reflect a urinary or kidney-related issue that needs assessment. |
Edema or swelling | Can occur with fluid-balance problems and warrants evaluation. |
Inability to pee or frequent urge to pee | Represents a urinary change that should be assessed. |
Nausea or vomiting | May occur with kidney or other health problems and should be considered with other symptoms. |
Weight loss | Unexplained loss needs clinical context. |
Unexplained fatigue or headaches | Can have many causes and should not be self-attributed to the renal arteries. |
How can you support renal-artery and kidney health?
Renal-artery and kidney health may be supported by general lifestyle and dietary measures. These measures should be adapted to a person’s health history, kidney function and clinician’s advice.
Measure | Important context |
Eat a heart-healthy diet low in cholesterol, fat, salt and sugar. | A clinician or dietitian can help adapt eating patterns when kidney disease is present. |
Exercise most days of the week. | Choose activity appropriate for your health and ability. |
Limit protein and potassium if kidney disease is present. | Do not make these restrictions without professional guidance. |
Maintain a healthy weight. | Weight goals should be individualized. |
Manage diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. | These conditions can affect cardiovascular and kidney health. |
Quit smoking and tobacco products. | A healthcare professional can help with cessation support. |
If a renal artery blockage affects less than 60% of the artery, it may improve with lifestyle and dietary changes. This is not a personal treatment threshold; a healthcare professional must interpret the blockage, symptoms and overall health picture. [1]
Does a renal artery problem always cause high blood pressure?
Not every change in blood pressure is caused by a renal artery problem. However, renal artery stenosis can lead to high blood pressure and renal or renovascular hypertension because narrowed arteries slow blood flow and pressure builds in blood vessels. [1]
Difficult-to-control high blood pressure, especially together with kidney-related symptoms, deserves professional evaluation. Do not stop, start or change blood-pressure medicine based on this article.
How are renal artery concerns evaluated?
A healthcare professional determines whether testing is needed based on symptoms, medical history, examination findings, blood pressure and kidney-related results.
If a clinician suspects an artery or kidney problem, ask what each recommended test is intended to evaluate, what preparation is needed and how the result will change the next step. Results should be interpreted with the laboratory’s reference range and the rest of the clinical picture.
What questions should you ask a healthcare professional about the renal artery?
Question | Why it helps |
Could my symptoms be related to the urinary system, kidneys or blood vessels? | The same symptom can have many possible causes. |
Is my blood pressure difficult to control? | Renal artery stenosis can be associated with high blood pressure. |
Should my kidney function or urine be evaluated? | The renal arteries supply the kidneys, which filter blood and form urine. |
What does a recommended test look for? | It clarifies the purpose of evaluation. |
Do I need a kidney- or heart-conscious eating plan? | Protein, potassium, salt, fat and sugar guidance may vary by health condition. |
How can I stop using tobacco? | Quitting tobacco is a general kidney- and artery-supporting measure. |
When should I follow up? | A clear follow-up plan helps monitor symptoms and results. |
When should you contact a healthcare professional?
Contact a healthcare professional for blood in the urine, swelling, inability to pee, frequent urges to pee, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, unexplained fatigue or headaches.
Also discuss a new diagnosis of high blood pressure that is difficult to control, known kidney disease, or concerns after an abnormal kidney or blood-vessel test. Do not assume that a renal artery issue is the cause without professional assessment.
Severe chest pain, sudden severe shortness of breath, fainting, new weakness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, very little or no urine, severe swelling or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt medical assessment.
Conclusion: Renal arteries connect circulation and kidney filtration
The renal arteries are two large vessels that carry blood from the abdominal aorta to the kidneys. Their branches enter through the renal hilum and supply the nephrons, glomeruli and tubules involved in filtering blood and forming urine. [1]
Plaque can narrow or block a renal artery, causing renal artery stenosis. This condition is linked with high blood pressure, renal hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, kidney failure and stroke. [1]
Blood in the urine, swelling, urinary changes, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, unexplained fatigue or headaches should be discussed with a healthcare professional. General artery-supporting habits include a heart-healthy diet, appropriate exercise, management of related conditions and quitting tobacco. [1]
Use this guide to prepare questions for a qualified healthcare professional. It is an anatomy and symptom-awareness resource—not a diagnosis or a substitute for individualized care. [1]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the renal artery?
A renal artery is a large blood vessel that carries blood from the aorta to a kidney. There are two renal arteries, one for each kidney.
What does “renal” mean?
“Renal” means related to the kidney.
How many renal arteries do people have?
There are two: the right renal artery supplies the right kidney, and the left renal artery supplies the left kidney.
Where do the renal arteries begin?
The renal arteries begin at the abdominal aorta, the branch of the heart’s main artery that feeds vessels in the abdomen.
Where are the kidneys located?
The kidneys sit in the back of the abdomen, just above the waist.
How long is a renal artery?
Each renal artery is about 1½ to 2 inches, or 4 to 6 centimeters, long.
What is the renal hilum?
The renal hilum is the entry and exit point for vessels and nerves that feed into the kidney. Each renal artery enters its kidney there.
How much blood passes through the kidneys each minute?
About 1 liter (roughly 4 cups) of blood flows through the kidneys from the renal arteries every minute, and the kidneys filter about one-half cup of fluid from it.
What do the kidneys do with blood?
The kidneys filter waste products and excess fluid, which the body removes in urine. Healthy kidneys can filter up to 150 quarts of blood every day.
What are renal artery branches?
The renal artery branches into smaller blood vessels throughout the kidney. Blood flows into nephrons, whose glomeruli and tubules support filtration.
What is a nephron?
A nephron is a tiny filter in the kidney that receives blood from renal-artery branches.
What is a glomerulus?
A glomerulus is a cluster of tiny blood vessels in a nephron. It allows waste and water to move into tubules while proteins and blood cells stay in the glomeruli.
What do kidney tubules do?
Tubules remove waste. Nearby blood vessels reabsorb filtered fluid, nutrients and minerals. Leftover fluid and waste become urine.
What is the renal vein?
The renal vein carries filtered blood away from the kidney and back into circulation.
What is renal artery stenosis?
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of a renal artery. Plaque made of fat and cholesterol can contribute to this narrowing.
Can renal artery stenosis cause high blood pressure?
Yes. Renal artery stenosis can lead to high blood pressure and renal, or renovascular, hypertension.
What else can renal artery stenosis be linked with?
Renal artery stenosis can lead to heart failure, kidney disease, kidney failure or stroke. A healthcare professional must assess the cause and severity.
What symptoms should prompt a call to a healthcare professional?
Blood in urine, swelling, inability to pee or a frequent urge to pee, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, unexplained fatigue and headaches.
Is blood in the urine always caused by the renal artery?
No. Blood in the urine can have many causes. It should be evaluated rather than attributed to the renal artery without a clinical assessment.
How can I protect my renal arteries?
Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise most days, maintain a healthy weight, manage diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and quit smoking and tobacco products.
Should everyone limit protein and potassium?
No. Limiting protein and potassium applies if kidney disease is present. Individual dietary restrictions should be guided by a healthcare professional.
Can lifestyle changes improve a renal artery blockage?
A blockage affecting less than 60% of the artery may improve with lifestyle and dietary changes. This is not an individualized treatment rule.
How is renal artery stenosis diagnosed?
A healthcare professional decides whether evaluation is needed and which tests fit the symptoms and medical history.
Should I change my blood-pressure medicine if I suspect renal artery stenosis?
No. Do not start, stop or change medicine based on this article. Discuss suspected renal artery disease and blood-pressure readings with a healthcare professional.
Is a renal artery blockage an emergency?
The urgency depends on symptoms and clinical findings. Severe chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, new neurological symptoms, very little or no urine or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt medical assessment.
Related guides
References
Cleveland Clinic. Renal Artery: Location, Anatomy and Function. Cleveland Clinic. Updated September 13, 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21748-renal-artery
Riaz IB, Husnain M, Riaz H, et al. Meta-analysis of revascularization versus medical therapy for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Am J Cardiol. 2014;114(7):1116-1123. PMID 25145333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.06.033
Fujiwara T, Iwashima Y, Narita K, et al. Combination of medical therapy and percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty versus medical therapy alone for patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertens Res. 2025;48(6):1870-1879. PMID 40038523. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-025-02166-3
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
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