Kidney disease can lead to a wide range of serious health issues if left untreated. Some of the major risks include:

• Kidney Failure: The most severe outcome, where kidneys can no longer function on their own, requiring dialysis or a transplant to stay alive.

• Heart Disease: Kidney problems raise the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure due to high blood pressure, fluid buildup, and electrolyte imbalance.

• Anemia: Damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin, a hormone needed to make red blood cells, leading to anemia. This causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

• Bone and Mineral Disorders: Impaired kidney function can disrupt the balance of calcium and phosphorus, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures.

• Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance: Damaged kidneys struggle to manage fluid levels and electrolytes, which can lead to swelling (edema), high blood pressure, and poor organ function.

• Malnutrition and Weight Loss: Poor kidney function often leads to a reduced appetite and nutrient absorption, causing unintentional weight loss and malnutrition.

• Acidosis: When kidneys can’t remove excess acid, it causes a condition called metabolic acidosis, resulting in weakness, confusion, and other health problems.

• Higher Risk of Infections: Weakened kidney function compromises the immune system, making infections — especially urinary tract and kidney infections — more likely.