Six Step Primer to Kidney Health

National Kidney Foundation Offers Six–Step Health Primer, Announces Free Screenings on 

World Kidney Day, March 11

Most Americans know that heart disease and cancer can be silent killers and understand that monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol and having regular mammograms are critical to protecting their health. Too few adults—and not enough doctors—realize, however, that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is another common, life—threatening illness that often goes undetected until very advanced when it could be diagnosed early through simple tests.
Recent studies report that 26 million Americans suffer from CKD and millions more are at risk. Worse, today’s epidemics of diabetes and obesity could contribute to even higher rates of CKD in the future. Undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to serious health problems including kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). Caught early, it can often be managed, and kidney damage can be slowed or stopped. That’s why early testing for people at risk is so important.
In preparation for National Kidney Month (March 2010) and World Kidney Day (March 11), the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) offers this 6-step primer for protecting health.

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 CKD Can Cause:
    •    Cardiovascular disease
    •    Heart attack and stroke
    •    High blood pressure
    •    Death
    •    Weak bones
    •    Nerve damage (neuropathy)
    •    Kidney failure (end-stage renal disease, or ESRD)
    •    Anemia or low red blood cell count

Step 2: Assess Your Risk

4 Main Risk Factors:
--Diabetes (self or family)
--High blood pressure (self or family)
--Cardiovascular disease (self or family)
--Family history of kidney disease or diabetes or high blood pressure
 
I obviously don't know my family history but I had NONE of the above risks (that I was aware of)

10 Additional Risk Factors:
    •    African-American heritage
    •    Native American heritage
    •    Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander heritage
    •    Age 60 or older
    •    Obesity
    •    Low birth weight
    •    Prolonged use of NSAIDs, a type of painkillers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen
    •    Lupus, other autoimmune disorders
    •    Chronic urinary tract infections
    •    Kidney stones
The only risk factors I had out of this group were autoimmune diseases.  I have low thyroid and endometriosis.  I had used Naproxen on a regular basis to ease the pain of endometriosis but it was determined that wasn't a factor in my type of kidney disease.

Step 3: Recognize Symptoms
Most people with early CKD have no symptoms, which is why early testing is critical. By the time symptoms appear, CKD may be advanced, and symptoms can be misleading. Pay attention to these:
8 Possible Trouble Signs:
    •    Fatigue, weakness
    •    Difficult, painful urination
    •    Foamy urine
    •    Pink, dark urine (blood in urine)
    •    Puffy eyes
    •    Swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles, feet
    •    Increased thirst
    •    Increased need to urinate
(especially at night)

Looking back, I realize I had most of these symptoms.  Hind sight is 20/20.


Step 4: Get Tested

If you or a loved one belong to a high-risk group, ask your primary-care physician about these tests—and be especially insistent about the last one. Your doctor may want to perform other tests as well.
4 Simple, Life-Saving Tests:
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage small blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys. It is the second-leading cause of kidney failure after diabetes.
Below 140/90 is good for most people. Below 130/80 is better if you have chronic kidney disease. Below 120/80 is best.
Protein in Urine
Traces of a type of protein, albumin in urine (albuminuria) is an early sign of CKD. Persistent amounts of albumin and other proteins in the urine (proteinuria) indicate kidney damage.
Less than 30 mg of albumin per gram of urinary creatinine (a normal waste product)
Creatinine in Blood (Serum Creatinine)
Healthy kidneys filter creatinine (a waste product from muscle activity) out of the blood. When kidney function is reduced, creatinine levels rise.
0.6 to 1.2 mg per deciliter of blood, depending on other variables
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
This is the most sensitive and accurate gauge of kidney function. Doctors measure blood creatinine levels and perform a calculation based on age, race, and gender.
Over 90 is good. 60-89 should be monitored. Less than 60 for 3 months indicates CKD.

Step 5: Stay Healthy

6 Things People with CKD Should Do:
    •    Lower high blood pressure
    •    Keep blood-sugar levels under control if diabetic
    •    Reduce salt intake
    •    Avoid NSAIDs, a type of painkillers
    •    Moderate protein consumption
    •    Get an annual flu shot

9 Things Everyone Should Do:
    •    Exercise regularly
    •    Control weight
    •    Follow a balanced diet
    •    Quit smoking
    •    Drink only in moderation
    •    Stay hydrated
    •    Monitor cholesterol levels
    •    Get an annual physical
    •    Know your family medical history

Step 6: Learn More

    •    The National Kidney Foundation will offer free kidney screenings through its Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) for people at risk for CKD in at least 20 cities across the country on World Kidney Day, March 11. For locations and schedules, visit www.keeponline.org.
    •    To learn more about CKD risk factors, prevention and treatment, visit www.kidney.org.
To learn more about chronic kidney disease, risk factors or to find a free KEEP screening in your area contact the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or (800)622-9010.