According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 17 percent of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of CKD is even higher among patients with heart disease. Consistent low kidney function for 3 months or more defines chronic kidney disease. The goal of treatment for chronic kidney disease is to prevent or slow additional damage to the kidneys. Treatment of risks for heart disease, heart disease itself and the earlier stages of CKD can slow the progression of CKD.
Prevent and Treat Heart Disease
Having CKD increases your risk of getting heart disease. Individuals with CKD are more likely to die of heart disease than develop kidney failure, and death from heart disease is 10-30 times higher in patients who have progressed to kidney failure than in the general population. Abnormal cholesterol levels cause heart disease. Cholesterol abnormalities, if detected and treated early, can reduce the risk of heart disease. All patients with CKD should have their cholesterol levels evaluated.
Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is caused by having too much sugar circulating in the blood. Too much blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels in the kidney. Intensive treatment for too much blood sugar will slow the progression of kidney disease. If you have CKD, ask your doctor if your blood sugar is in the correct range.
Blood Pressure
More than half of people who have CKD also have high blood pressure. Blood pressure causes kidney disease and needs to be treated. All types of blood pressure medications are effective in lowering blood pressure in CKD. The target blood pressure for CKD patients is below 130/80 mm Hg. It normally takes more than one class of blood pressure medication to get to target. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are preferred agents for use in CKD patients, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
Protect Your Kidneys
Most blood pressure medications help improve heart disease, and some in particular slow down the loss of kidney function. ACEs and ARBs slow down the loss of kidney function. If you have kidney disease and your blood pressure is normal, ask your doctor to check if you should be taking an ACE or ARB.
Balanced Diet
The balance of protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and salt intake needs to be maintained within a normal range for CKD patients. If you have CKD, keep track of the amount of protein you eat. Urea is a waste product of protein. Unless eliminated by the kidneys, it will harm the body. Damaged kidneys may allow urea to build up. Eating less protein may help reduce the amount of work your kidneys have to do. However it's a delicate balance between eating too much protein and too little protein. Too little protein can lead to poor nutrition.
Early Treatment
According to the National Kidney Foundation, therapeutic interventions at earlier stages can prevent or improve most of the complications of low kidney function, as well as slow the progression to kidney failure. Thus, measures to improve prevention, detection and treatment of CKD in its earlier stages could improve your quality of life.
References
- CDC: Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Diseas
- NKF: KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease
- ASN: The Kidney and Heart Disease Connection
- NKF: KDOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Managing Dyslipidemias in Chronic Kidney Disease
- NKF: K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hypertension and Antihypertensive Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease
