The kidneys are among the most vital organs in the body. They help filter waste products from the blood and play a role in regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and in the production of red blood cells. When kidneys fail, waste products can build up and there can be excessive fluid retention leading to swelling, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 4 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with kidney disease. It is the ninth leading cause of death in the country, with 15.1 recorded deaths per 100,000 population.
What You Need to Know About Kidney Disease
One of the best ways to prevent a disease is knowing its nature. Awareness can help someone make smart choices in life to reduce the risk of being affected by the disease. Below are 5 important facts to know about kidney disease.
- Adults with diabetes or high blood pressure are at high risk of developing kidney disease
About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 with high blood pressure will be diagnoses with chronic kidney disease. These diseases can cause blood vessel damage, which can affect blood flow towards the kidneys. Other risk factors associated with kidney disease include: high blood cholesterol, obesity, heart disease, lupus, and a family history of chronic kidney disease. - Kidney disease increases one’s chance of having cardiovascular problems
Having kidney disease places one at higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke. This is because kidney disease makes it more difficult to maintain normal blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels – factors that can affect one’s risk of heart disease. - Kidney disease can cause other health-related consequences
When left untreated, kidney disease can lead to other health problems such as pulmonary edema, pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), anemia, fractures, and even malnutrition. - Health screenings may prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease
Health screening for those who are at high risk of developing kidney disease may help in preventing or delaying the progression of the kidney problem. Especially for those older than 50 years old and with a history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure - Dialysis can help in carrying out some of the organ’s functions when suffering from kidney disease
People with kidney disease have a difficult time eliminating wastes and other unwanted fluid in the body. Dialysis can help in carrying out this process. Although it is not a cure for the disease, dialysis can help in improving the life of those living with serious kidney conditions.
The physicians and staff of the Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center in Knoxville are dedicated to serving patients with kidney disease. This dedication results in our access patients experiencing fewer infections, a more expedient treatment course, increased comfort level, and a reduction of stress for patient families and caregivers.
If you are suffering from kidney disease, our team is ready to provide vascular access care and management for patients undergoing dialysis.
To learn more about the Premier Surgical Vascular Access Center, visit our website here.