The frequency of chronic kidney disease is on the rise

Your kidneys are vital organs that, along with your brain and heart, help keep you alive. These two small organs located in your lower back act as filters, removing waste and excess fluids from your body and regulating blood pressure. While many people focus on monitoring their cholesterol and blood pressure, it's also important to pay attention to your kidney health and check for any signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What causes chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and, over time, CKD.
2. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and cause CKD.
3. Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys that can damage them and cause CKD.
4. Polycystic kidney disease: A genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys and can lead to CKD.
5. Kidney infections: Repeated or severe kidney infections can cause damage to the kidneys and lead to CKD.
6. Certain medications: Long-term use of certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause kidney damage and lead to CKD.
7. Other factors: Other factors that can contribute to CKD include autoimmune diseases, congenital kidney defects, and obstruction of the urinary tract.

Understanding the importance of kidney health

It is important to know about kidney health because the kidneys are vital organs that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They filter waste and excess fluids from the body, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones. Chronic kidney disease is a serious health condition that can have significant consequences if left untreated. By understanding the importance of kidney health and taking steps to keep your kidneys functioning properly, you can help prevent kidney disease and maintain good health.

Two important markers to detect kidney disease

Dr. Kapoor suggests that the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) are two crucial markers to detect kidney disease. eGFR is measured by a blood test and indicates how well the kidneys clean blood, while uACR is measured by a urine test and detects the presence of a protein called albumin. Both these tests are essential for detecting kidney damage and disease, especially in patients with diabetes. However, eGFR may not be reliable for patients with rapidly changing creatinine levels or altered diet patterns.

uACR

The uACR test measures the amount of albumin that passes into urine in a 24-hour period to diagnose and monitor kidney damage in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A result of 30 or above may indicate kidney disease. Additional lab and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, may be performed to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract. Regular monitoring is necessary to confirm or rule out CKD, and to adjust treatment plans as needed.