End-stage Renal Disease Prevention
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Prevent End-stage Renal Disease
To help reduce your risk of ESRD, follow these guidelines:
Lower High Blood Pressure
Maintaining a normal blood pressure may prevent kidney failure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you have High Blood Pressure , take your blood pressure medications as ordered by your doctor and follow up regularly.
Keep Blood Sugars Under Control
Maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible helps to prevent kidney disease. Have your blood sugar checked regularly if you are at risk for diabetes. If you have diabetes, follow the medication, diet, and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.
Lower High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the normal range can slow the progression of renal failure. The statin drugs are commonly used for this purpose.
Aggressive Treatment of Proteinuria
Aggressive treatment of proteinuria (leakage of protein in the urine) with drugs, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, has been effective in slowing the deterioration of renal function in chronic renal failure patients.
Do Not Abuse Medications or Illegal Drugs
Overuse of over-the-counter pain medication and illegal drugs can damage the kidneys. Take medications only as directed.
