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Contents
  • Common Causes of Kidney Disease
  • Lifestyle and Kidney Health
  • The Role of Genetics

What Causes Kidney Disease?

What Causes Kidney Disease?

Understanding the Risk

Kidney disease can sneak up on you, but knowing the causes can help you stay ahead of it. Let's uncover what puts your kidneys at risk.
Contents
  • Common Causes of Kidney Disease
  • Lifestyle and Kidney Health
  • The Role of Genetics

Common Causes of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. Other causes include genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases, and prolonged use of certain medications. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures.

Lifestyle and Kidney Health

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, like a poor diet and lack of exercise, can increase the risk of kidney disease. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to kidney damage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk and improve overall kidney health.
Kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys are damaged and can't filter blood the way they should. Causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, genetic conditions, and autoimmune diseases.

The Role of Genetics

Sometimes, kidney disease is inherited, meaning it runs in families. Conditions like polycystic kidney disease are genetic, and knowing your family history can help you and your doctor take early action. Genetic testing may be recommended for those with a family history of kidney disease.

FAQs

What causes kidney disease?

Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetic factors.

Can lifestyle affect kidney health?

Yes, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of kidney disease.

Is kidney disease genetic?

Some forms of kidney disease are inherited and run in families.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the causes of kidney disease empowers you to take preventive steps.
Next steps: Discuss your family history and lifestyle with Doctronic to assess your kidney disease risk!
Additional References
  1. Jafar TH, Schmid CH, Levey AS. Serum creatinine as marker of kidney function in South Asians: a study of reduced GFR in adults in Pakistan. J Am Soc Nephrol 2005; 16:1413.
  2. Poggio ED, Rule AD, Tanchanco R, et al. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with glomerular filtration rates in living kidney donors. Kidney Int 2009; 75:1079.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.