Renin facts for kids

Renin is an enzyme made by your kidneys. It helps your body control blood pressure. When your blood pressure is low, your kidneys release renin into your circulatory system (your blood). This helps to raise your blood pressure back to normal. It also makes sure enough blood goes to your kidneys.

What is Renin?

Renin is a special protein. It acts like a tiny helper, or an enzyme, in your body. Your kidneys are the main place where renin is made. It plays a big role in how your body manages blood pressure.

How Renin Works

When your blood pressure drops too low, your kidneys notice this. They then release renin into your blood. Renin starts a chain reaction. It changes another protein in your blood called angiotensinogen into angiotensin I.

Renin's Role in Blood Pressure

Angiotensin I is then changed into angiotensin II. This new protein is very powerful. Angiotensin II makes your blood vessels get narrower. This makes your blood pressure go up. It also tells your body to hold onto more water and salt. This also helps to raise blood pressure.

Why Renin is Important

Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level is very important. Renin helps make sure your kidneys get enough blood. Kidneys need good blood flow to clean your blood. They also need it to remove waste from your body. Without enough blood flow, your kidneys cannot work well.

Renin and Your Health

Sometimes, the body might make too much or too little renin. This can cause health problems.

High Blood Pressure

If your body makes too much renin, your blood pressure can become too high. This is called hypertension. High blood pressure can be dangerous over time. It can harm your heart, kidneys, and other organs. Doctors sometimes use medicines to block renin's action. This helps to lower blood pressure.

Low Blood Pressure

If your body does not make enough renin, your blood pressure might stay too low. This can make you feel dizzy or weak. It can also mean your organs are not getting enough blood.