1) Renal artery stenosis can cause hypertension by increasing renin levels and blood pressure. This document reviews the ultrasound technique for evaluating the renal arteries and kidneys.
2) The technique involves imaging the renal arteries and measuring peak systolic velocities to calculate renal-to-aortic ratios. Segmental arteries within the kidneys are also evaluated.
3) Abnormal findings include increased resistive indices, elevated peak velocities, and tardus-parvus waveforms, which can indicate areas of stenosis or occlusion. The goal is to detect any abnormalities in renal blood flow that could be contributing to a patient's hypertension.