Complications

Several other medical conditions can complicate the course of kidney failure.

Many kidney failure patients also develop heart problems. Heart disease (Cardiovascular) progresses rapidly in people who suffer from kidney failure. This is a serious complication. Heart disease, in fact, is the main cause of death for kidney patients.

High blood pressure is both caused by kidney failure, and can cause kidney failure or make it worse.

Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells in the blood. Symptoms include fatigue, poor appetite, and generally not feeling well. It is a common side effect of kidney failure, but can now be readily treated with the synthetic hormone known as erythropoietin (EPO).

Renal bone disease is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle due to kidney failure. Treatment of renal bone disease should be started at an early stage to prevent weakening of the bones. Without treatment renal bone disease can lead to pain in the bones, especially in the back, hips, legs, and knees. The weakened bones also become increasingly at risk of fracture. Fortunately, early recognition and treatment of renal bone disease means that bone pain and fractures are now uncommon in kidney patients.