Chronic Kidney Disease

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition in which your kidneys no longer adequately filter your blood. 

Your kidneys’ primary job is to filter fluid and waste from your blood and get rid of it through urine. They also balance your body’s fluid and electrolyte levels, remove drugs and toxins, and make hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cell production.

With CKD, you have kidney damage that affects these functions. Finding and treating CKD early may prevent or delay this progressive condition from turning into end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. 

What causes chronic kidney disease?

Diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are the two primary causes of CKD. 

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes higher than normal blood glucose levels. The excess sugar in your blood damages blood vessels and organs. That includes damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys that help filter blood, as well as damage to the organ itself. 

High blood pressure

High blood pressure means the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high, causing the blood vessels to stiffen and narrow. The excess pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, affecting normal function.

Other causes

Though less common, you can also develop CKD from an underlying genetic condition (e.g., polycystic kidney disease), lupus, drug toxicity, or an infection.

What happens during a chronic kidney disease evaluation?

Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, takes an integrative approach to care and conducts thorough exams when you come in for a CKD evaluation. 

Your provider reviews your medical history, family history, and does a physical exam. They perform lab tests to assess kidney function and determine the stage of CKD using the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). 

The GFR shows how well your kidneys filter your blood. The lower your GFR, the more severe your CKD.

What are the treatments for chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time. The goal of treatment at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, is to stop or delay further damage. 

Your board-certified nephrologist customizes your CKD treatment plan based on the severity of your disease. Treatment might include:

• Diet and nutrition therapy
• Management of diabetes or hypertension
• Weight management
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation

Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function and adjust your plan as needed. If you go into kidney failure, you need dialysis or kidney transplantation.

For expert chronic kidney disease care, call Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.