Patients with biopsy-proven nephrosclerosis and moderately impaired renal function have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease: 15 years' experience in a single, kidney disease center.

Background: Nephrosclerosis progresses slowly to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in only a small percentage of patients. However, because hypertension and nephrosclerosis are normally found simultaneously, nephrosclerosis is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In turn, the onset of CVD may progress to further renal impairment.