March is National Kidney Month… Are you at Risk??

On World Kidney Day, March 13, the Department of Nephrology offered free blood pressure screenings and provided educational material to members of the community, and hospital employees, with hopes to raise awareness about kidney disease and help individuals determine if they’re at risk.

Chronic kidney disease is a major problem in the United States. More than 26 million American adults have kidney disease, millions more are at risk for developing kidney disease, and most of them don’t know it.

“The prevalence of kidney disease is a health issue we should all be aware of, mainly because symptoms do not show until the disease is well advanced and life-saving dialysis is needed,” said Dr. Emmanuel B. Masih, Director of Nephrology at Jamaica Hospital. 

Primary risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading and second leading cause of kidney failure. Other risk factors include cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease, and age - with adults 60 and over being most at risk. Minorities— African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and American Indians—are at greater risk for developing kidney disease.

Individuals should also be wary of symptoms related to kidney disease, as the disease can progress without symptoms for a long time until very minimal kidney function is left. Common symptoms include swollen ankles, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite, blood in the urine, and foamy urine.

“It’s important to know if you are at risk for or are experiencing symptoms of kidney disease,” said Dr. Masih. “There are three tests individuals can take to determine their risk—a urine test, a blood pressure test, and a blood test. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important for preventing the kidneys from going into severe renal failure.”

The medical and nursing dialysis staff encourages everyone to know their risk!!