A growing health crisis for more than 26 million Americans is chronic kidney disease (CKD). Brought on by malfunctioning kidneys, CKD is a silent killer that often goes undetected. It is most prevalent among those with a family history, high blood pressure, or diabetes and can lead to kidney failure if untreated.
Undetected Kidney Disease is More Common Than You Think
According to the National Kidney Disease Education Program, most physician practices screen fewer than 20% of their diabetic Medicare patients and less than a third of all patients diagnosed receive the standard medications—ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers—to minimize kidney damage. In addition, many patients, especially at risk populations like African-Americans, are not referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for specialty consultation in a timely manner.
Learn the Facts About Kidney Disease
Study results published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, confirms how misunderstood CKD really is. Out of 401 kidney patients surveyed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, “94 % knew they had a kidney ‘problem’ but more than 30% were unaware they had a serious, potentially life-threatening disease” even though they were under the care of a physician. “The lack of awareness of CKD among those who are affected appears to be greater than other health conditions,” states Dr. Julie Anne Wright, a nephrologist at Vanderbilt and co-author of the study. “This study highlights the need for providers to ensure that communication is not only delivered but understood between all parties involved.”
The data also showed that patients did not realize kidney disease puts them at higher risk for heart disease or that the disease can progress without any symptoms.
What can you do?
Get routine kidney function testing. A simple blood test offered by Life Line Screening, the creatinine screening, can detect if you have or are at risk for kidney disease.
You can also take steps to control CKD. The National Kidney Foundation encourages making the following healthy lifestyle choices:
- Maintain good blood glucose control if you have diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Keep your hemoglobin A1C (a blood test that tracks blood glucose levels over time) below 7%
- Have your urine tested annually
- Have routine blood tests to check calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels to ensure good bone health; also test for anemia and cholesterol on a routine basis
- Check your blood pressure regularly and take all prescribed blood pressure medications; try to keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg
- Maintain a healthy weight and routinely exercise
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
- Schedule routine health exams with your primary care physician or endocrinologist
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