Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD Part 2- Whose is at risk and what tests should I get?
Hello again,
Today we are continuing our conversation about Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD. After reading Part 1, I am sure one of your questions is – “Am I at Risk?” Or perhaps you think there is no way you are at risk, after all you are in pretty good health – right. So let’s talk about the risk factors and how you can get tested to determine if you have CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease is an “equal opportunity disease”, in that anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. Your risk may be higher if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Have heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
- Are obese
- Are African-American, Native American or Asian-American
- Have a family history of kidney disease
- Have an abnormal kidney structure
- Are an older age
- Smoke
Smoking has a detrimental impact on kidney health and function. The chemicals present in tobacco smoke can directly damage the blood vessels leading to the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste products and toxins from the blood effectively. Smoking also increases the risk of developing kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney cancer. The harmful substances in cigarettes can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys, leading to tissue damage and impaired renal function. Additionally, smoking raises blood pressure and decreases blood flow to the kidneys, further compromising their ability to function optimally. Quitting smoking is crucial for preserving kidney health and preventing the progression of kidney diseases. By quitting smoking, individuals can reduce their risk of developing kidney-related complications and improve overall kidney function. For more information about personalized treatment options, check out this site at https://www.confidentialrehab.co.uk/. Seeking support from healthcare professionals and utilizing smoking cessation resources can significantly aid in breaking the addiction and promoting kidney health, to get some help, you can start by looking at the Priory Rehab Cost by visiting this website at https://privatedrugrehab.co.uk. Additionally, if you’re wondering how can i raise my hematocrit overnight 2, here are some suggestions. In addition, for those seeking alternative methods to address health concerns, you may consider Delta 8 THC CBD Gummies, Flowers, Pre-Rolls, and Edibles.
The risk for African Americans is higher than for other populations. The infographic below very clearly demonstrates the increased risk and the reasons behind the risk. (Courtesy of the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-education-outreach/chronic-kidney-disease-infographic)
So, if you are at risk, what should you do? Talk with your doctor and get tested.
Your doctor will want to know about your family history and about your medical history and will run some tests. Some of the tests may include:
- A physical examination which will also include measuring your blood pressure
- Blood tests.Kidney function tests look for the level of waste products, such as creatinine and urea, in your blood.
- Urine tests.Analyzing a sample of your urine may reveal abnormalities that point to chronic kidney failure and help identify the cause of chronic kidney disease.
- Imaging tests.Your doctor may use ultrasound to assess your kidneys’ structure and size. Other imaging tests may be used in some cases.
- In some cases your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy. This is a procedure done under local anesthesia to remove a small sample of kidney tissue. A long, thin needle is inserted through your skin and into your kidney. The biopsy sample is sent to a lab for testing to help determine what’s causing your kidney problem.
In one of our next articles, I will talk more about understanding your tests results and how to understand your lab values.
Remember, you are a vital part of your own healthcare team, so being well informed is really important.
Yours in good health
Dr. Christopher Brown
Link to video:
References
American Kidney Fund http://www.kidneyfund.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/?referrer=https://www.google.com/?referrer=http://www.kidneyfund.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/family-history.html
National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease
Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354527