The local health sector has long been battling its fair share of chronic diseases. Among the primary concerns in this regard is kidney failure. According to reports, the number of kidney failure patients is steadily increasing as a result of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and even genetic kidney disorders.
According to the American Kidney Fund [AKF] since the kidney failure usually does not have symptoms until an individual’s kidneys are badly damaged, the only way to know how well they are working is to get tested. Being tested for kidney disease is simple. Ask your doctor about these tests for kidney health is the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate).
The eGFR is a sign of how well your kidneys are cleaning your blood. Your body makes waste all the time. This waste goes into your blood. Healthy kidneys take the waste out of your blood. One type of waste is called creatinine. If you have too much creatinine in your blood, it might be a sign that your kidneys are having trouble filtering your blood.
You will have a blood test to find out how much creatinine is in your blood. Your doctor will use this information to figure out your eGFR. If your eGFR is less than 60 for three months or more, you might have kidney disease, according to AKF.
Also a Urine test can be done. This test is done to see if there is blood or protein in your urine (pee). Your kidneys make your urine. If you have blood or protein in your urine, it may be a sign that your kidneys are not working well.
Your doctor may ask you for a sample of your urine in the clinic or ask you to collect your urine at home and bring it to your appointment.
Further a blood pressure test could help to ascertain your condition. This test is done to see how hard your heart is working to pump your blood. High blood pressure can cause kidney disease, but kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure. Sometimes high blood pressure is a sign that your kidneys are not working well.
For most people a normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 (120 over 80). Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be.
Since diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, working with your doctor to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control is the best way to prevent kidney disease.
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease, or help keep them under control. Follow these tips to lower your risk for kidney disease and the problems that cause it: follow a low-salt, low-fat diet; exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week; have regular check-ups with your doctor; do not smoke or use tobacco and Limit alcohol.