Signs and symptoms
... The signs and symptoms of kidney failure vary, depending on whether the failure is acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop filtering waste pr...

Causes
... Your kidneys are part of a system that removes excess fluid and waste material from your blood. Initially, blood enters your kidneys through the renal arteries, which are branches of the aorta —...

Risk factors
... Diabetes is the single greatest risk factor for chronic renal failure in the United States. Other medical conditions that increase your risk of kidney failure include high blood pressure (hypertension...

When to seek medical advice
... If you have a chronic medical condition that puts you at increased risk of chronic kidney failure, your doctor is likely to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests d...

Screening and diagnosis
... If you have diabetes, your doctor will likely schedule an annual test to measure small amounts of protein in your urine (microalbuminuria). This test can screen for early kidney damage related to diab...