Lack of functioning of one kidney may not cause symptoms because the second kidney adequately filters the blood. Hypertension may develop, however. If there is not a second functional kidney, blockage of the renal artery may cause symptoms of acute kidney failure . Acute arterial occlusion of the kidney may occur after injury or trauma to the abdomen, side, or occasionally the back. The risk of emboli increases if there is a history of heart disorders such as mitral stenosis or atrial fibrillation .
Smoking also increases the risk of developing emboli.
In many cases the disorder is not preventable. The most important way to reduce risk is to stop smoking . Preventive use of anticoagulants may be recommended for people with a high risk of developing emboli such as those with mitral stenosis or atrial fibrillation . Control of atherosclerotic disease may reduce risk. Pain, if present, usually develops suddenly.