Final answer:
Azotemia mainly affects individuals with chronic kidney disease, as their impaired kidneys cannot effectively filter and excrete nitrogenous waste, leading to the build-up of toxic substances like urea in the blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Progressive azotemia, which is the abnormally high levels of nitrogen-containing compounds, is predominantly observed in individuals with chronic kidney disease. This condition occurs because the kidneys are responsible for filtering and excreting nitrogenous wastes, and when they are impaired, toxic compounds like urea and creatinine accumulate in the blood.
This can increase blood pressure, lead to metabolic acidosis, and result in an accumulation of sulfates, phosphates, and uric acid, further aggravating the situation. The condition can also cause symptoms such as lethargy, pericarditis, and encephalopathy, indicative of uremia. It is important to note that individuals with chronic kidney disease are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and typically have worse prognoses if afflicted by both conditions.