In Stage 1, the serum creatinine level is usually normal. These patients commonly have no symptoms and the other blood tests are usually normal. Older patients may have problems with their renal arteries which make them susceptible to further renal impairment by some antihypertensive drugs or anti-inflammatory agents. If in any doubt about starting new medications consult your doctor or renal unit. Good blood pressure control and possibly dietary modification, will delay and sometimes prevent progression to the next stages.
Patients usually have no symptoms.
At this stage blood pressure may be elevated and urine abnormalities reflect the nature of the underlying kidney disease. Good blood pressure control and possibly dietary modification will delay and sometimes prevent progression to the next stages. The earliest symptoms of kidney failure become apparent, often in retrospect. Blood pressure usually starts to rise in this phase unless there is a tendency to lose salt in the urine which is uncommon in most renal diseases. Increased medication may be required to control blood pressure and serum levels of phosphate and acid.