What is it?
The kidneys are responsible for filtering wastes and excess fluid from the blood. Chronic kidney disease is marked by a gradual loss in kidney function. Without healthy kidneys, waste can build up in the body and cause many health problems including heart disease and weak bones.
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Inflammation, Infections, Smoking, Obesity, High Blood Cholesterol, Personal/Family Genetic History
What can chronic kidney disease lead to?
Kidney failure which requires dialysis (a process where a machine filters your blood outside of your body) or kidney transplantation, Heart Disease, Weak Bones, Difficulty Breathing, Weakened Immune System, Coma, and Death
What can you do to prevent it?
Monitor blood pressure and seek treatment if above 140/90, eat foods lower in sodium, maintain healthy weight, eat healthy, exercise frequently, don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumption, take medication and over-the-counter drugs as directed.
Resources
Center for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WorldKidneyDay/
Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-disease/basics/definition/con-20026778
WebMD http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chronic-kidney-disease-topic-overview
Special Thanks
Derek Chang graduated with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. Go Utes! He was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. He aspires to become a physician-entrepreneur to find and create new ways of improving overall patient health. He enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, reading books, meeting new people, and learning anything new.
