Know Your Kidney Disease

Video – Part 1 – Click the Image Above

Video – Part 2 – Click the Image Above

Overview on Chronic Kidney Disease

Twenty-six million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease. Early detection helps delay progression to kidney failure. The Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)is a calculate value from blood tests and is the best estimate of kidney function. People with hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and family history of kidney disease are at high risk for developing chronic kidney disease. Older individuals and people of the African American, native American or pacific Islanders are also at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Overview on Kidney Function

The kidneys are responsible for regulating water balance as well regulating body chemical such Sodium, Potassium and Calcium. The kidneys have other functions in producing hormones that regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells and promote strong bones. Reduction in kidney function or GFR to less than 60 may lead to complications related to above mentioned functions. To know more about kidney disease, please click on the following link: www.nkf.org then click on patient information.

For New Patients check new patient packet. You can print it out and fill it at home. (pdf link for New patient
packet). You can either email it back to us at kmerrill@prodigydialysis.com or bring it with you.

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease:

Family History
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
Numerous Medications
Contrast Dye for Heart Catherizations
Kidney Stones
Certain Arthritis Medicines
Older Age
Prostate Disease
Urinary Tract Infection
Ethnic Minorities
Autoimmune Diseases

Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

26 million Americans have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
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.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Pre-existing Proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
High-risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease
African-American, Hispanics, Pacific-Islanders, Native Americans, and seniors are at an increased risk.

Organization Websites

Cookbooks and Diet Information

General Renal Education Websites