The kidneys may fail due to problems with their blood vessels or
filtering units. Such problems may be caused by an illness that
affects the whole body. Diabetes and high blood pressure are
common examples. Filtering problems may also be caused by
illnesses that harm the kidneys directly (glomerulonephritis and
polycystic disease). In some cases, problems in the urinary
tract may also cause kidney failure. Problems with Blood Vessels
An illness can damage blood vessels inside the kidneys. As a
result, the filtering units receive less blood, and pressure
inside the kidneys cannot be controlled. Problems with Filtering
Units Reduced blood supply or the wrong pressure can harm the
filtering units. This makes them less able to remove wastes from
the blood. As a result, the kidneys can’t maintain the proper
balance of fluid and chemicals in the body. Waste products may
be returned to the blood, or vital chemicals and proteins may be
lost in the urine. Problems in the Urinary Tract A problem with
the shape of the u