As well as being caused by kidney failure, high blood pressure can cause kidney failure, and uncontrolled high blood pressure can speed up the progression of kidney failure.

High blood pressure is a complication of kidney failure.

Good control and treatment of blood pressure may take the strain off the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney failure and delaying the need for dialysis. In fact, controlling blood pressure is the only thing proven to delay the need for dialysis in all kidney patients, whatever the cause of their kidney failure. Good blood pressure control may also prolong the life of a transplant.