The renal arteries originate in your heart and are responsible for carrying blood rich in oxygen and nutrients to your kidneys. When the renal arteries become blocked, a condition called renal artery stenosis, your kidneys do not receive enough blood or oxygen. These arteries can also be affected by a number of diseases, most commonly atherosclerosis. Less common conditions that may occur in the renal arteries include: renal artery aneurysms, fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), and vasculitis (inflammation of the arteries).