Kidney Disease Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for kidney disease?

-Diabetes: Diabetes is the biggest risk factor for kidney disease.

-Blood pressure: The second biggest risk factor is high blood pressure.

-Blockages: Scar tissue, malformations of the urinary tract, blood clots and cholesterol are also risk factors.

-Medications: Overuse of painkillers and allergic reactions to antibiotics are a risk factor.

-Drug abuse: Abuse of certain recreational drugs such as cocaine and heroin is a risk factor.

-Inflammation: Inflammation of the filtering units of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) is a risk factor.

-Family history: If any of your family members have or have had chronic kidney diseases, you are at a higher risk.

-Premature birth: If you were born prematurely, you are at a higher risk.

-Age: The older you get, the higher your risk for kidney disease.

-Trauma or accidents: Sometimes accidents, surgery and other medical procedures can damage the liver leading to chronic liver disease.

-Diseases: Certain diseases, such as hepatitis C, sickle cell anemia, lupus and heart failure put you at an increased risk for kidney disease.