How does kidney failure affect the

How does kidney failure affect the heart and blood vessels?
People with kidney failure, particularly dialysis patients, have far higher rates of heart and blood vessel problems than people without kidney problems. Heart attacks are the leading cause of hospitalization and death among dialysis patients. Kidney failure also raises the risk of other cardiovascular problems such as blockage of blood to the heart and congestive heart failure. People who have kidney failure need to monitor their cardiovascular health, take all prescribed medications, and follow their health care provider’s instructions for diet and exercise.

How does kidney failure affect the appetite?
People who have uremia often lose their appetite. Some people find that food tastes different. Some no longer like foods they once craved. In fact, many people feel sick to their stomach at the thought of eating. But getting enough protein and calories is important for staying healthy. People with kidney failure should talk with the renal dietitian at their dialysis clinic or transplant center to find foods that are appealing and provide needed nutrients.

How does kidney failure affect sleep?
People who have kidney failure often have insomnia—trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. Insomnia and other sleep disorders can worsen a person’s quality of life. People with kidney failure should discuss these problems with their health care provider.
Some people suffer from sleep apnea syndrome, which may be related to the effects of advanced kidney failure on breathing. Episodes of apnea are breaks in breathing during sleep. Over time, these sleep disturbances can lead to day-night reversal—insomnia at night, sleepiness during the day. This condition can cause headaches, depression, and fatigue. Some treatments may work with people who have sleep apnea, whether they have kidney failure or not. These treatments include losing weight, changing sleeping position, and wearing a mask connected to a small machine that gently pumps air continuously through a hose into the nostrils—nasal continuous positive airway pressure, commonly known as CPAP.