A simple blood test can measure the level of creatinine in the blood, which is a waste product that the kidneys must filter. If creatinine levels are high, it may be a sign of kidney damage.
Kidney Health Tips: It’s easy to take our health for granted as we go about our daily lives. However, kidney disease is a critical problem that, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can have disastrous effects. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the circulation, as well as help regulate blood pressure and create essential hormones. Therefore, it is essential to have regular kidney tests to ensure that these vital organs are working properly.
Kidney disease is a silent killer, often undetected until it is in an advanced stage. Symptoms can be subtle, such as fatigue, swelling in the legs and ankles, and changes in urination. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may have progressed to the point where irreversible damage has been done. That is why early detection through kidney tests is so important.
The good news is that kidney tests are quick and painless. A simple blood test can measure the level of creatinine in the blood, which is a waste product that the kidneys must filter. If creatinine levels are high, it may be a sign of kidney damage. Another test, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), can estimate how well the kidneys are working. This test considers age, gender, and race to determine how efficiently the kidneys filter the blood.
Who should have a routine kidney checkup?
Who should have a kidney test? Anyone can develop kidney disease, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include:
● People with diabetes
● People with high blood pressure
● People with a family history of kidney disease.
● People over 60 years of age
If you fall into one of these groups, you should talk to your doctor about having a kidney test. People with diabetes or high blood pressure should have a kidney test at least once a year, according to the National Kidney Foundation. People who have a family history of kidney disease should also talk to their doctor about when they should start having kidney tests.
There are things you can take to keep your kidneys healthy in addition to having regular kidney tests. These include:
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in sodium and rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Avoid excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol
- Take medications at regular intervals as prescribed and avoid over-the-counter medications that can be harmful to the kidneys.
If you have kidney disease, early detection and treatment can help slow its progression and prevent further damage. Treatment may include medications to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes, such as dietary habits and physical activity, are also crucial for a better quality of life. Talk to your doctor today if you should have a kidney test and take the necessary steps to keep your kidneys healthy.
Having a kidney test is a simple and essential step in protecting your health. By detecting kidney disease early, you can take steps to slow its progression and prevent serious complications.
(Inputs: Dr. Preeti Kabra, Head of Laboratory, Neuberg Diagnostics)
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