What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that impairs the kidneys' ability to filter and remove wastes from the body, which can lead to complicationIt is often silent in its early stages, so many people are unaware of its presence until significant damage is done. In its early stages it is usually silent, so many people are unaware of its presence until the damage is significant. Early diagnosis is essential to slow its progression and minimise the impact on health, with control of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes being key, as well as the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits.
How is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) detected?
CKD can progress silently for years, so early detection is essential. To diagnose CKD, the following tests are performed two key tests: a blood test and a urine test. In the blood, the creatinine and the glomerular filtrate, This is used to assess kidney function. In urine, the albumin-creatinine ratio (ACC), an indicator of kidney damage.
Prevention is as simple as that: with just two tests you can detect any alteration in time and take measures to protect your health. At Ailin, we promote prevention and early diagnosis to take care of your kidney health.
Where can I do a kidney health test (CKD)?
With our commitment to prevention in renal health and on the occasion of the World Kidney Day, from Ailin, next to the Association for the Fight Against Kidney Diseases (ALCER), we will be conducting free trials for people with risk factors in the following shopping centres:
- CC Montigalà (Barcelona): 27th and 28th February
- CC Gran Vía Hortaleza (Madrid): 6 and 7 March
- CC Macarena (Seville): 11 March
What are the risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
- Diabetes: Having high blood sugar levels increases the risk of kidney damage. Good glucose control can help prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
- Hypertension: Blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg can affect kidney function, especially if protein is present in the urine. Controlling it is key to protecting kidney health.
- Age over 60 years: The prevalence of CKD increases with age, significantly affecting older people.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Having had a heart attack or heart failure increases the risk of developing CKD, as the two diseases are closely related.
- Obesity: A body mass index (BMI) greater than 30-35 kg/m² may contribute to the onset and progression of kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce the risk.
- Family history of kidney disease: If a parent or sibling has kidney disease, there is an increased risk of developing CKD.
- Smoking: Current smoking or having smoked in the last year increases the risk of kidney damage and aggravates other factors such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- Dyslipidaemia: High cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels can affect kidney function and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is important to have blood and urine tests to detect any changes in kidney function and take early action.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease can progress without obvious symptoms in its early stages, so regular health monitoring is key to early detection.
- Extreme fatigue: The accumulation of toxins in the body can cause persistent fatigue.
- Swelling in extremities: Fluid retention in the legs, ankles, feet or around the eyes.
- Problems urinating: Changes in urinary frequency, sensation of incomplete voiding or presence of blood or foam in the urine.
- Low back pain: Discomfort in the lower back, sometimes mistaken for muscular problems.
- Nausea and vomiting: Accumulation of toxins that affects the digestive system and reduces appetite.
- High blood pressure: CKD can lead to hypertension, which aggravates kidney damage.
