For many Australians, high blood pressure (hypertension) is a daily concern, often managed with medications, diet changes, and lifestyle adjustments. But what if your elevated blood pressure isn’t just a standalone issue? What if it’s a symptom of something else, something less commonly investigated? A renal artery ultrasound is a non-invasive scan that helps detect hidden causes of high blood pressure, especially when it’s not responding to standard treatment. While this type of scan isn’t routinely offered at all clinics, Capri Ultrasound on the Gold Coast provides bulk billed renal ultrasounds with any valid referral from a doctor, making it easy to access answers and take control of your health.
A renal artery ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your kidneys and the blood vessels that supply them, most notably the renal arteries. A renal artery doppler and assessment of the kidneys are included, which allows the radiologist to see how well blood is flowing to the kidneys and their appearance.
This type of ultrasound can identify narrowing of the renal arteries (known as renal artery stenosis) or abnormalities in kidney size and structure. These issues can lead to secondary hypertension, which is high blood pressure caused by an underlying health problem. While renal artery ultrasounds are commonly used in hospital settings or by specialists, Capri Ultrasound is one of the few local providers to offer this service as a bulk billed scan with a referral from a doctor.
If you’ve ever Googled something like “can high blood pressure make you tired all the time”, you’re not alone. Fatigue is a common, but often overlooked, symptom of hypertension, especially when it’s related to kidney dysfunction.
Other signs that your kidneys could be contributing to your high blood pressure include:
In these cases, your doctor may suspect secondary hypertension, and a renal artery ultrasound is often the first diagnostic step in determining the cause.
A renal artery ultrasound may be recommended if:
This scan is safe, painless, and radiation-free, making it a valuable option for both initial diagnosis and follow-up monitoring.
During a renal ultrasound, a trained sonographer will ask you to lie on your back while a gel is applied to your abdomen. A handheld device (transducer) is moved across the skin to capture images of your kidneys and blood vessels.
The scan takes around 10 to 20 minutes and is completely non-invasive. If your doctor has requested a renal artery doppler, the sonographer will assess blood flow using specialised soundwave technology. There’s no downtime, and your results are sent directly to your referring healthcare provider.
Your kidneys are critical in regulating blood pressure, they manage fluid levels, release hormones that affect blood vessel constriction, and filter waste products that influence vascular health. When the arteries leading to your kidneys narrow, the kidneys think your blood pressure is too low and trigger a cascade of responses to raise it, even if it’s already high.
Most patients are familiar with common scans like knee or foot ultrasounds, but renal artery ultrasounds are a more specialised test, and not every imaging clinic offers them.
Here’s why Capri Ultrasound is the smart choice:
Whether your doctor is investigating persistent high blood pressure, kidney concerns, or unexplained symptoms, we’re here to help provide clarity.
If you’ve been managing high blood pressure without understanding the cause, or your medications just aren’t working, it may be time to look deeper. A renal artery ultrasound is a simple, safe and effective way to check whether your kidneys are contributing to the problem.
Capri Ultrasound offers bulk billed renal artery ultrasounds right here on the Gold Coast, with fast appointments and expert care. We accept all referrals from GPs and specialists, so you can access this important scan without delay.
Talk to your doctor today about getting a renal artery ultrasound referral. We’re here to help you get the answers you need, and take back control of your health.
