A Silent Disease: Prevention & Early Detection of CKD

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often called a “silent disease” because it can develop slowly over time without noticeable symptoms. Many people don’t realize they have CKD until it has reached an advanced stage, making early detection and preventive care essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 7 American adults—or 30% of the U.S. population—have some form of CKD. Alarmingly, many cases go undiagnosed until irreversible damage has occurred.

Since kidney damage is permanent, it is crucial to understand the early warning signs, risk factors, and ways to prevent CKD from developing or progressing.

Understanding Kidney Function

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. These vital organs play a crucial role in keeping your body healthy by:

• Filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood
• Balancing electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphate) to support cell function
• Regulating blood pressure through hormone production
• Producing red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body
• Maintaining bone strength by controlling calcium and vitamin D levels

When the kidneys become damaged, they lose their ability to filter waste efficiently. As a result, toxins begin to accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to serious health complications.

Who Is at Risk for CKD?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease, including:

• Age 45 or older
• Diabetes (a leading cause of CKD)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease or a family history of kidney disease
• Obesity and an unhealthy diet
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Prolonged use of certain medications (such as NSAIDs like ibuprofen)

If you fall into any of these categories, regular kidney function testing is essential to detect potential issues early.

The good news is that CKD is preventable with simple lifestyle modifications. Here are three essential steps to protect your kidney health:

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for CKD. It damages blood vessels, reduces kidney function, and increases the risk of high blood pressure. In fact, smoking is responsible for one out of every five deaths in the United States. If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.

2. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can put stress on your kidneys by increasing blood pressure and causing dehydration. More than three to four drinks per day is considered heavy drinking and can lead to long-term kidney damage. If you choose to drink, limit alcohol to no more than one to two drinks on occasion.

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Limit processed foods, excess salt, and sugar. Include more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support kidney health.
• Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps control blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight, all of which contribute to kidney health.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can contribute to hypertension and heart disease, both of which affect kidney function. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

Taking these steps can significantly reduce your chances of developing chronic kidney disease.

How to Detect CKD Early

Because CKD often has no symptoms in its early stages, the best way to detect it is through medical testing. There are two key tests used to diagnose CKD:

• Urine Test: This checks for protein (albumin) in the urine. Excess protein is an early sign of kidney disease.
• Blood Test: This measures your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste. A lower GFR means your kidneys are not functioning properly.

If you are age 60 or older, or if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of CKD, these tests should be a regular part of your checkups.

CKD Screening & Community Support

Early detection is key to slowing or stopping the progression of kidney disease. At Dallas Renal Group, we provide comprehensive kidney health screenings to help patients identify CKD before it becomes severe.

Dallas Renal Group also offers free screening events across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you or a loved one are at risk, take advantage of these screenings for early detection.

Sign up today to receive notifications about upcoming free kidney health screening events in your area.

Learn more: National Kidney Foundation Prevention Resources