What are the risk factors for kidney disease?

Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems or a family history of kidney disease have an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter your blood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 37 million U.S adults have chronic kidney disease, and many more are at risk of developing it. Because kidney disease develops slowly before symptoms arise, many people are not aware they have the disease.

If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can eventually require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Even mild kidney problems increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, anemia and bone disease.

Kidney disease has become widespread today due to the rise of obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, all of which strain the kidneys. Another factor is the increasing number of people who take multiple medications, which can overtax the organs. People over the age of 60 are especially vulnerable because they tend to take more medications, and because kidney function naturally declines with age.

Get Screened

Because kidney disease is often symptomless, early stages of the disease usually go undiagnosed. The only way to detect it before it advances is through routine blood and urine tests. Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, or over age 60 should be tested annually.

If your lab results indicate a decline in kidney function for more than three consecutive months, you may receive a diagnosis of kidney disease and be referred to a nephrologist. While kidney damage cannot be reversed, there are several effective lifestyle changes and treatments that can help prevent further damage.

Control your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, aim to keep it below 140/90. If you need medication, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are good choices because of their proven ability to protect kidney function.

Control your diabetes: If you have diabetes, maintain blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Diabetes medications such as SGLT-2 inhibitors have shown to be effective in helping slow the progression of kidney disease, even in non-diabetic patients.

Adjust your diet: This usually means reducing protein, phosphorus, sodium, sugar and potassium. Your doctor can help you determine an appropriate diet, or you may want to consult with a dietitian.

Watch your meds: Dozens of commonly used drugs can damage the kidneys, especially when taken in high doses over long periods. Notably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, proton pump inhibitors (PPI) used for heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain herbal supplements can also be problematic. Talk to your doctor about your prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal products to identify potential problems and find alternatives.

Exercise and lose weight: If you are inactive, start an aerobic fitness routine (walk, swim, cycle, etc.) that gets your heart pumping. Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure, control diabetes and support weight loss, all of which benefit kidney health.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can affect kidney function. Aim to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.

Quit smoking: Smoking damages the kidneys and doubles the rate of progression to end-stage renal failure. If you smoke, consult with your healthcare professional to set up a plan to quit.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.