Get The Score On Your Kidney Health

ROCKY HILL — While most people know that they need to watch their blood pressure and cholesterol, very few have the same awareness when it comes to kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut (NKF) believes it is time for residents to become just as knowledgeable about preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the importance of early detection.

“Most people with chronic kidney disease feel just fine,” said Kim Hathaway, CEO of The National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut. “They have no symptoms. That’s why it’s important for people at risk to have their kidney function tested.”

When it comes to diagnosing and determining the best course of treatment for kidney disease, one all-too-often-neglected test has been proven to stand above all the others. Measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is an essential, and relatively easy, part of keeping kidney disease on track. It is the most accurate way to diagnose kidney disease. GFR is also the best tool to gauge a patient’s stage of disease, enabling doctors to plot out the most appropriate course of treatment.

“The GFR is a measure of how effectively your kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from your blood,” added Ms Hathaway. “Just as people are aware of their cholesterol level, knowing your GFR number can be just as important in kidney disease prevention. Essentially, knowing your GFR can save your life.”

The earlier CKD is detected, the better a person’s chances are of working successfully with his or her doctors to slow the loss of kidney function and avoid health problems. That’s another reason early screening is so important

Some 20 million Americans — or one in nine adults — suffer from CKD, and another 20 million are susceptible due to risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease, and racial or ethnic heritage. African Americans and Native Americans have a significantly higher risk of developing CKD; rates are also elevated among Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders.

Every month, the number of Americans waiting for kidney transplants increases. In Connecticut, there are almost 600 residents on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.