Can high blood pressure cause a kidney infection?

No, high blood pressure (hypertension) does not directly cause kidney infections. Kidney infections, also called pyelonephritis, are usually caused by bacterial infections that ascend from the urethra and bladder to the kidneys. Risk factors for kidney infections include urinary tract abnormalities, diabetes, and a suppressed immune system.

While chronic hypertension can damage the kidneys over time, leading to a condition known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), it does not directly cause kidney infections. Conversely, certain kidney diseases can cause high blood pressure as a complication.