World Kidney Day - MARCH 14 ; Kidney disease could lead to cardio problems

The presence of kidney dysfunction greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease - an important fact that is often overlooked! If you are at risk of kidney disease, see your doctor to discuss maintaining your heart health as well! Says Dr Sridhar, Consultant Chief Nephrologist, Aware Global Hospitals, LB Nagar Hyderabad. Key facts about chronic kidney disease (CKD) & cardiovascular disease

• People at every stage of CKD are at more risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), although those in the later stages have the highest risk.
• CVD remains the leading cause of death for people on dialysis and those who have a transplanted kidney.
• People with CKD have a 2 to 3-fold greater risk of cardiac death than individuals without CKD.
• Identifying CKD early and slowing the progression to kidney failure is important in reducing your risk of CVD.
• The best way to reduce the risk of CVD is to make healthy lifestyle choices. It is also important to control and maintain a healthy blood pressure, cholesterol level, and blood glucose level if you have diabetes. If you have CKD, this usually means using medication as well as having a healthy lifestyle.

Early detection of kidney failure: Kidney diseases are common, harmful and treatable: The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing dramatically and the cost of treating this growing epidemic represents an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Between 8 and 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD).

To keep your kidneys healthy Keep fit and active: Increase daily physical activity as it helps reduce your blood pressure and reduces your risk of CKD. Keep regular control of your blood sugar levels, blood lipids and anaemia: About half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney function. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is important to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of doctor or pharmacist. Monitor blood pressure, reduce if necessary: The lower the blood pressure, the slower your kidney function declines. Although many people are aware that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Eat healthy and keep your weight in check: This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with CKD. Reduce salt intake - recommended salt intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try to limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients. Do not smoke: Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, smoking limits the kidney's ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50%! If you smoke - best thing to do for your health, is to quit now! Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis: Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly. Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only. If you are dealing with chronic pain such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk.

Risk factors

• 60 years or older
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin
• Diabetes
• Family history of kidney disease
• Established heart problems and/or have had a stroke
• Hypertension
• Obese (Body Mass Index BMI - of 30 or more)
• Chain smoking

Objectives Of World Kidney Day

• A Raise awareness about our amazing kidneys.
• A Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• A Encourage CKD screening of all 'high risk' groups, especially anyone with diabetes and hypertension.
• A Encourage preventive behaviour.
• Educate medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of kidney disease, particularly in high risk populations.
• A Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs, if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day, Governments are encouraged to take note of the facts above and take action to invest more in kidney screening.
• Encourage transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure and the act of organ donation

Symptoms

• High blood pressure
• Changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed, e.g. at night
• Changes in the appearance of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Puffiness in legs and ankles
• Pain in the kidney area
• Tiresomeness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Headaches
• Lack of concentration
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth