Renal failure is also known as acute renal failure (ARF) or acute kidney failure (AKF). AKF is defined as a medical condition characterized by loss of functioning of the kidneys in performing their most vital function, which is the elimination of wastes and urine out of the body and thus helping maintain the electrolytic balance inside the body. Due to the inability of the kidneys to perform their functions, various nitrogenous wastes and toxins accumulate inside the body, leading to various health risks such as acidification of the blood and modifications in the electrolytic balance. Various factors play a major role in the development of renal failure.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is often considered a prime factor that leads to the development of renal failure. Atherosclerosis is defined as a medical condition characterized with deposition of various fatty substances on the linings of the arteries carrying blood; hence, causing hardening of the arteries. Such hardening of the arteries leads to the reduction of the amount of blood reaching various organs, including the kidneys, thus increasing the probability of developing renal failure due to inadequate supply of blood to the kidneys.
Age
Age of an individual also plays a vital role in the development of renal failure. With progressing age, the veins and arteries tend to narrow in size due to accumulation of various pollutants and toxic substances to which the body was exposed to over the years. This narrowing of the arteries reduces the blood flow through them, leading to renal failure as sufficient amount of blood does not reach the kidneys.
Heart Disorders
According to the Mayo clinic, various heart disorders such as heart attacks, strokes and congestive heart failure are considered prime factors leading to the development of renal failure. These heart disorders drastically diminish the pumping effect of the heart, leading to the reduction in the amount of blood reaching various organs, including the kidney, and potentially causing renal failure if untreated for a long period of time.
Low Blood Pressure
Various factors such as shock, depression, injury or trauma and infections such as sepsis often reduce the blood pressure of an individual. This reduction in the blood pressure in turn reduces the flow of blood through the arteries, leading to renal or kidney failure in individuals.
Other Common Risk Factors
Various other common risk factors such as diabetes, other kidney disorders, acute dehydration, excessive loss of blood due to injury and severe lung disorders are often considered major risk factors leading to renal failure.
