Reducing Your Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
To help reduce your risk of ESRD, follow these guidelines:
Maintaining a normal blood pressure may prevent kidney failure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you have
high blood pressure
, take your blood pressure medications as ordered by your doctor and follow up regularly.
Maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible helps to prevent kidney disease. Have your blood sugar checked regularly if you are at risk for
diabetes
. If you have diabetes, follow the medication, diet, and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.
Lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the normal range can slow the progression of renal failure. The statin drugs are commonly used for this purpose.
Aggressive treatment of proteinuria (leakage of protein in the urine) with drugs, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, has been effective in slowing the deterioration of renal function in chronic renal failure patients.
Overuse of over-the-counter pain medication and illegal drugs can damage the kidneys. Take medications only as directed.
References
Brenner, BM et al. Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2011.
Ferri, Fred, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier, 2009.
Goldman L, Ausiello D., eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2008.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/
.
National Kidney Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.kidney.org/
.
Rakel, R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.
Rakel, RE, Bope, ET Conn's Current Therapy. 60th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.
Wein, AJ et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology.9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2007.
Yu HT. Progression of chronic renal failure.
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