When your kidneys can no longer function properly to filter out harmful waste materials and fluids, these waste products accumulate in your body. This can result in a rise in your blood pressure, as well as kidney failure (also known as end-stage renal disease). End-stage renal disease, or ESRD, happens when kidneys lose their functioning ability by almost 90%.
People suffering from end-stage renal disease need to get the waste materials removed from their bloodstream, either through the process of dialysis or by kidney transplantation, in order to remain alive. Compared to a lifetime on dialysis, though, a renal transplant is often the preferred treatment option for kidney failure.