What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease, also known as chronic renal disease or CKD, is a condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. This loss of function can cause your kidneys to decease in their ability to keep you healthy by filtering wastes from your blood. You might start to feel sick and develop issues with high blood pressure, anemia, week bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage.

What are the main causes of chronic kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure, or hypertension, are responsible for two-thirds of chronic kidney disease cases. Other conditions that affect the kidneys are: Glomerulonephritis, inherited diseases, kidney and urinary tract abnormalities before birth, autoimmune diseases, and obstructions caused by kidney stones or tumors.

If your doctor suspects chronic kidney disease, the doctor will want to pinpoint your diagnosis by performing a blood and urine test. Click here to download a printable resource that describes the kidney numbers that everyone should know and how your doctor uses them to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD).  You will also learn how the kidney numbers fit onto the CKD Heat Map, which helps to guide your treatment plan.

There are six ways your kidney’s keep you healthy:
1. Regulate fluid levels
2. Activate Vitamin D for healthy bones
3. Filter wastes from the blood
4. Directs production of red blood cells
5. Regulate blood pressure
6. Keep blood minerals in balance

Our kidneys play an important role in our overall health! Having regular wellness check-ups with your primary care physician is vitally important. Visit our website to download our appointment check list before coming to your appointment at our office. We will make sure your doctors are in-network with your insurance provider.