Patients

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition characterised by a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Chronic Kidney Disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by doing the jobs listed. If kidney disease gets worse, waste can build up to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. You may develop complications like high blood pressure, anaemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. These problems may happen slowly over a long period of time. Chronic Kidney Disease may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life.

The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease

• Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function. Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
• High-risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension, and a family history of kidney failure. Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.