Light micrograph section through human kidney tissue showing hypertensive arteriolar nephrosclerosis. This condition refers to progressive kidney damage caused by long-standing, poorly controlled high blood pressure (hypertension). A person affected by this condition may develop symptoms of chronic kidney disease such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching and confusion. Because chronic hypertension and nephrosclerosis are common, it is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease.