Treatment:

There is no treatment for atheroembolic kidney disease that works well. Treatment is focused on managing the complications of organ damage.

Medicines may be used to treat high blood pressure and lower lipid and cholesterol levels.

• Your doctor may tell you to reduce fats and cholesterol in your diet.
• You may need other treatments for kidney failure or complications. If you have kidney failure, you may need to limit protein, salt, and fluids, or make other dietary changes.

See:

• Chronic renal failure
• End-stage kidney disease

Your doctor may also recommend other lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise or weight loss. Stopping smoking is very important.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies but is generally poor. The disorder slowly gets worse over time. Lifestyle changes may help slow progression of the disease.

Complications:

• Acute renal failure
• Blood clots to other location of the body -- brain, intestine, legs
• Chronic renal failure
• High blood pressure

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if you have:

• A decrease in urine output or no urine production
• Blood in the urine
• Severe abdominal pain or leg pain
• Toes that turn purple and occur with foot pain
• Unexplained ulcers on your legs or feet