Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition where the body suffers from weak kidneys. Your kidneys clean and purify the blood by removing waste products and extra fluid. When the kidneys are weak, waste and toxins remain in the blood and cause disease.

In the most extreme form of CKD, patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Most patients have milder disease that can be treated with medications and diet. Risk factors for CKD include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Family history of kidney disease

All patients with risk factors for chronic kidney disease should be tested for CKD. Testing for CKD can be done with a routine blood test.