Risk Factors for Renal Disease

Although pretty much anyone can be affected by renal disease, there are risk factors that make it more likely whether or not someone will have chronic kidney disease. These risk factors range from genetics to socio-economic factors.

Age

Age is a risk factor for most chronic health conditions. The older you get, the more likely you are to be susceptible to illnesses such as chronic kidney disease. You are aging, and therefore your body is too. Keep your body strong and healthy with a healthy lifestyle.

Weight

Excess weight puts you at risk for a host of different health conditions. Many of these health factors are related, making weight a risk for renal disease as well as diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

Other Health Conditions

The likelihood of having renal disease also increases if you have other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes, types 1 and 2, and hypertension are especially linked to renal disease. You are also more at risk for renal disease if you have autoimmune disease or certain kinds of cancer.

Lifestyle

You are more at risk for renal disease if you are a smoker. You are also more at risk if you drink to excess or have a poor diet. Your diet especially is a huge risk factor for chronic health conditions.

Race

People of African, Asian, or Native American decent are more likely to have renal disease. This is also true of heart disease and diabetes.

Genetics

Chronic kidney disease runs in families. If you have a family history of renal disease or renal failure, you should be especially careful.

Economic Status

People that live in lower socio-economic conditions are more likely to be affected by chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. This is due to many factors, including access to adequate healthcare and susceptibility for a diet filled with more processed foods rather than a healthy diet.

These risk factors and others make it more likely that you may eventually be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and potentially experience kidney failure. Although you cannot avoid genetic risk factors, you can help your chances by maintaining the healthiest diet and lifestyle possible. Controlling a healthy diet that is restrictive of sodium and excess sugar can be your strongest tool in escaping end stage renal disease and the potential need for dialysis or kidney transplant. For more information, click here!