Chronic renal failure or CRF is a condition that follows chronic kidney disease
, which is a grave medical condition that slowly destroys the kidneys. Once a person is inflicted with kidney disease he or she is at an increased risk of other circulatory problems inclusive of multiple forms of cardiovascular disease. As kidney disease progresses over time it will cause irreversible impairment to renal tissue that soon leads to a decrease in total kidney function. Since February 2002 a formal classification of the different stages that occur as a result of kidney disease has been made public. It details the extent of damages in relation to the specified stage of the disease.
Stage 1: Kidney Functions regularly but sign of underlying condition is evident in urine along with a few other irregularities that will denote probable kidney disease. GFR (90+)
Stage 2: Kidney function is impaired slightly, at this stage the disease is categorized as mild with the potential for progressive deterioration GFR (60-89 )
Stage 3: Kidney function is moderately impaired GFR (30-59 )
Stage 4: Kidney function is severely reduced and borders on renal failure GFR (15-29 )
Stage 5: Kidney function has completely subsided, will not function effectively on its own without medical treatment. This is end stage kidney failure or established renal failure (GFR