What is a common cause of "hardening of the kidneys" in patients with CKD?

The presence of "hardening of the kidneys," also known as nephrosclerosis, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly linked to prolonged, severe hypertension. High blood pressure can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to scarring and reduced kidney function over time. This vascular damage occurs because the high pressure stresses the kidney's filtration units, ultimately compromising their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood effectively.

This condition contributes to the progression of CKD and can lead to further complications. In contrast, while other factors such as diet and excess calcium might affect overall health, they are not as directly tied to the specific hardening process within kidney tissue as long-standing hypertension.