Explore Our Resources

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual, progressive condition where the kidneys suffer damage over time and lose their ability to properly filter the blood. Approximately 26 million adults in the U.S. have CKD and millions more are at risk. CKD is measured based on GFR—Glomerular Filtration Rate, which is a mathematical method that measures the kidney function based on your creatinine level, your age, your sex and your race. Based on your level of GFR, you will fall into one of the five different stages as noted.

Symptoms of Stage 5 Kidney Disease

• Nausea, vomiting
• Poor appetite, as well as taste abnormalities
• Anemia with associated weakness
• Worsened swelling of legs, body
• Blood pressure difficult to control
• Potassium and other electrolytes become difficult to control

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

One

Kidneys function normally but there is proteinuria (protein in the urine) present. This is an indication of future inhibited kidney function. GFR >90 (normal kidney function but with some evidence of damage)

Two

Kidney function is greater than 60%. Proteinuria may or may not be present. GFR 60-89 (mild disease)

Three

Kidney function is at 30-59%. GFR 30-59 (moderate disease)

Four

Kidney function is at 15-29%. GFR 15-29 (severe disease)

Five

Kidney function is below 15% and the patient may require dialysis at any time based upon certain symptoms. This requires very close supervision since this stage is a very critical time. Dialysis is typically recommended. GFR <15 (kidney failure/End Stage Renal Disease)

Hypertension is the medical term used to describe high blood pressure. Hypertension is the second most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and progression to End Stage Renal Disease (Kidney Failure) with diabetes being the most common cause for Chronic Kidney Disease and progression to End Stage Renal Disease. At the same time, about 80% of patients with chronic kidney disease will eventually develop hypertension. To find more information about your personal medical records with us, click here.

REGULAR KIDNEY FUNCTION

The largest function of the kidneys is to “filter out” the blood stream. Beyond this, the kidneys also help us regulate other processes in the body. One of these processes is blood pressure. Thus, the kidneys have the ability to raise or lower your blood pressure and accomplish this by releasing a hormone called Renin. Renin’s job, once released from the kidneys, is to trigger a cascade of other hormones with the end result being constriction of your blood vessels. This hormone cascade system is known as the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS). We use different medication that target these pathways and other pathways in the treatment of resistant or secondary hypertension.

FUNCTION WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)

The kidneys release renin in response to sensing decreased blood flow to their functional units, the glomeruli (the kidneys are composed of millions of these functional units which are the small “filters” that clean out the blood stream). In Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), there is an increased loss of these filters beyond the normal loss we all experience beyond the age of 40. This loss of functional units can contribute to elevated blood pressure over time, but high blood pressure in itself can precipitate further loss of functional units. A unique situation.

MEDICATIONS

Many of the medications that combat high blood pressure work by inhibiting certain components of the RAAS system. In turn, by utilizing these medications, we can effectively lower blood pressure and also increase renal (kidney) protection which is the goal in CKD.