Thirty-three percent of adults in the United States are at risk for kidney disease. That’s 1 in 3 people.
Kidney disease is a major public health concern. Kidney disease often goes undetected until it is very advanced. Unfortunately, this is when someone would need dialysis or a transplant.
The key is to find kidney disease before the trouble starts. Regular testing for everyone is important, but it is especially important for people at risk.
Follow these 6 steps to learn more about kidney disease, your risk, and how to prevent it.
Step 1: Know These Facts
6 Things Healthy Kidneys Do:
- Regulate the body’s fluid levels
- Filter wastes and toxins from the blood
- Release a hormone that regulates blood pressure
- Activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
- Release the hormone that directs production of red blood cells
- Keep blood minerals in balance (sodium, phosphorus, potassium)
8 Problems Kidney Disease Can Cause:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Put your life at risk
- Weak bones
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, or ESRD)
- Anemia or low red blood cell count
Step 2: Assess Your Risk
5 Main Risk Factors:
- Diabetes (you or your family)
- High blood pressure (you or your family)
- Heart disease (you or your family
- Family history of kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Obesity
For additional information on worrisome symptoms and next steps: