What is Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) signifies damage to one’s kidneys from any cause.  Kidney function is measured in ml/min or GFR(glomerular filtration rate).  Normal GFR is approximately 100ml/min, and when a person's GFR is less than 100ml/min he/she is considered to have kidney disease.   Prevention is our philosophy, and dialysis is a last resort in the treatment of kidney disease.

Common Causes of CKD

Diabetes is #1

Hypertension is #2

Lupus is #3 in some populations

HIV Associated Nephropathy is #3 in blacks age 20-64

Benign prostatic hypertrophy(Enlarged prostate)

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Side effects of kidney disease:

Hypertension(elevated blood pressure)

Anemia

High phosphorus levels

High potassium levels

Edema or swelling in the legs

Malnutrition

Vitamin D deficiency          

Do I Have Kidney Disease?

YES, if you have....

•  Creatinine > 1.5mg/dL
•  Urine protein > 500mg
•  Blood in urine
•  Severe hypertension