Scientists don’t fully understand calciphylaxis, a rare and potentially deadly blood vessel condition. But new research points to some of the major factors linked to the disease.

The kidneys help rid the body of toxins. When the kidneys don’t function properly, it can open the door to other serious diseases, and cancer may be among them.

Walking is one of the most common forms of exercise for people in the United States. For patients with chronic kidney disease, taking a walk could be a lifesaver.

Some health disorders drive up the number of costly, repeated hospitalizations and may demand more physician oversight. Kidney failure is one of those disorders.

Lowering unhealthy cholesterol with statins can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients, including those with kidney disease. This therapy, however, may not help kidney disease itself.

About 1.5 million people around the world are currently on hemodialysis — an artificial blood filtering treatment for kidney failure. This treatment is known to impact patients' physical function, but they may have more control than they realize.

The kidneys flush out bodily waste through urine, and are an important barrier against an array of diseases. When the kidneys stop working properly, it can trigger a host of other problems, including ones affecting the heart.

For over 20 years, coronary angioplasty has been used to open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow. The procedure, however, can cause complications, including harm to the kidneys.

People with advanced kidney disease sometimes must undergo dialysis, during which waste is filtered from the blood. Certain drugs may delay the need for dialysis.