Most patients with chronic renal failure progress to end-stage renal disease. A primary kidney defect is not the usual underlying cause of hypertension. However, the importance of the kidney in maintaining a constant effective blood volume has led many investigators to believe that hypertension cannot be sustained if renal function is normal. Renal disease can also have adverse effects on the composition of plasma and extracellular fluid. For example, electrolyte imbalances in renal disease can lead to cardiac arrhythmias .
Renal disease can also adversely alter plasma lipid profiles.
Hyperlipidemia during nephrotic syndrome results from both increased synthesis and decreased clearance of lipoproteins from the body. These pro-atherosclerotic alterations in the plasma lipid profile represent significant risk factors for coronary artery disease . Kidney Disease as a Consequence of CV Disease Malignant and severe hypertension can cause renal damage that is dramatic, extensive, and rapidly progressive. Congestive heart failure can also cause renal failure. Early complications of cardiac insufficiency include renal vasoconstriction and the development of sodium and water retention, which are hallmarks of the very early stages of congestive heart failure.