How Can Chronic Kidney Disease Affect My Health?
Chronic kidney disease is related to many health problems that can be treated or even prevented.
Chronic kidney disease and heart disease are strongly linked. In fact, most people with chronic kidney disease die of heart and blood vessel disease (heart attacks, strokes and heart failure) before they ever need dialysis.
• Read more: Chronic kidney disease and your heart
High blood pressure causes chronic kidney disease, but kidney disease also causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure leads to heart and blood vessel disease, so controlling blood pressure is very important.
• Read more: Blood pressure and chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease causes anemia when damaged kidneys don’t send out a hormone that tells your body to make red blood cells. Anemia can make you so tired that it’s hard to stay active and independent.
• Read more: Anemia and chronic kidney disease
Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in your body can get out of balance because your kidneys help control levels of these substances. If they are out of balance, you can get bone disease, and calcium can build up in your blood vessels, causing heart disease.
• Read more: Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D
Potassium in your body can get out of balance. Potassium is an electrolyte necessary for your body to function. Your kidneys help keep it at the right level. With chronic kidney disease, potassium can get too high. This can be dangerous, because then your muscles, including your heart muscle, won’t work properly.
• Read more: Potassium and chronic kidney disease
Malnutrition happens when chronic kidney disease makes it hard for you to eat the way you should. It can affect your appetite, and you may have restrictions on what you can eat. Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian to help you stay well-nourished and healthy.
Uremia means that your chronic kidney disease is very advanced. You may have nausea and vomiting, swelling, trouble thinking clearly, extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, and heart problems. Without treatment, you are at risk of death.