Kidney Disease: Quick Facts and Stats
There is no cure for kidney disease.
So now what?
Care About Your Kidneys – Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is decreased kidney
function for three months or more. End-stage renal disease refers to the end of
kidney function (kidneys work at less than 15 per cent of what is considered
normal).Without properly functioning kidneys, you could die.
The kidney plays a central role in the human body and is as important to your health
as your heart, liver or lungs. Many of the body’s organs depend on the kidneys to
work properly. The kidneys’ main functions are to remove waste products and
regulate water in the blood, help control blood pressure, and produce hormones to
promote strong, healthy bones.
Pervasive & Persistent – Kidney disease can strike anyone at any age. Two million
Canadians are living with kidney disease, or are at risk. Every day, 14 Canadians
learn that their kidneys are failing.
Core Causes – The two most common and preventable causes of end-stage kidney
disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, but kidney disease can also be
caused by an inherited disease such as polycystic kidney disease, infection, or by
trauma.
Serious Stages – Kidney disease is divided into five stages. Stage 5 is known as
end-stage renal disease -- at that point, patients need dialysis or kidney transplants
to stay alive.
Stage 1: Slight kidney damage
Stage 2: Mild decrease in kidney function
Stage 3: Moderate decrease in kidney function
Stage 4: Severe decrease in kidney function
Stage 5: End-stage renal disease1
Detecting Disease – Kidney disease is difficult to detect because there are few
symptoms. Age and gender, along with a simple blood test, can determine valuable
information about one’s kidney function.
Individuals at risk include:
Those who suffer from diabetes or hypertension
People over the age of 55
Certain ethnic groups such as First Nations, Hispanic, African
American, Asian and Pacific Islande