Health Risk Factors

It is important to know what the common causes of kidney disease are to stay informed on you and your loved one's health. 

  1. Family History is always something to consider. If someone within your family has been diagnosed with kidney disease, you are at higher risk.
  2. If you are over the age of 50 years old, consider getting tested to insure the health of your kidneys.
  3. Diabetes is the most common contributor to kidney disease. The impact diabetes has on the bodies blood circulation can result in failure of the kidneys ability to filter the blood. With type 1 Diabetes you are more prone to kidney disease 2-5 years post diagnosis. 10-30 years post diagnosis 30-40% of people develop late-stage kidney disease. This is similar to type 2; however, type 2 could take longer to develop from the original diagnosis date. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as taking medications regularly while monitoring glucose levels can help decrease the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). 
  4. High Blood Pressure is the second most common cause of CKD, due to the weakened blood vessels throughout the body effecting the kidney's ability to successfully function. This creates a vicious cycle of the kidneys unable to remove the toxins and extra fluids causing higher blood pressure, and the blood pressure effecting the kidneys more, limiting there function more and more over time. Eating healthy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise, reducing stress levels, lack of smoking, as well as discussing your high blood pressure medication with your doctor to ensure proper production can decrease your risk of CKD. 
  5. Other health conditions such as, heart disease, obesity, kidney or ureter blockages, and lupus can also elevate your risk of kidney disease. 
  6. Ethnicity also plays a part due the fact that some ethnicities are more prone to diabetes and high blood pressure. If you are African American, Native American or Hispanic you should take extra precaution when considering kidney disease. 
  7. Lifestyle also has a contributing factor when considering risk of kidney disease. The over usage of Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Acetaminophen, as well as street drugs can result in a lower kidney function.