Simple test which helps prevent kidney disease

Many people know that high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but may be unaware it is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

High blood pressure puts stress on all the blood vessels of the body, including the kidneys. This can prevent the kidneys from filtering out the waste materials from the blood, leading to chronic kidney disease.

On World Kidney Day, the charity Kidney Research UK is urging people to get their blood pressure checked. Having your blood pressre checked only takes minutes, is simple to do and painless. It could also help catch kidney disease in its early stages.

Amazingly, Bolton Wanderers and Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic has been the recipient of two kidney transplants, but thinks they could have been prevented if his kidney disease was detected sooner. He said: “Kidney disease is often a silent disease but a simple blood pressure check may indicate early diagnosis.

"Had my kidney disease been picked up early I feel that I could have avoided having not one, but two kidney transplants.”

Dr Donal O’Donoghue, National Clinical Director for Renal Services, said: “Identifying high blood pressure early is important in reducing the risk of kidney disease.

"That's why we're starting to roll out free NHS Health Checks to everyone eligible aged 40-74 to identify their individual risk of developing vascular conditions including kidney disease and support them in managing that risk.

"Over the next few years around 15 million people will be offered an NHS Health Check - one of the first programmes of its kind in the world."

He also added that anyone worried that they may be at risk of kidney disease should contact their GP who may do simple blood and urine tests.

People can also reduce their risk of kidney disease by making a few lifestyle changes which can help lower their chances of developing high blood pressure such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating more healthily, stopping smoking and exercising more.

Charles Kernahan, Chief Executive of Kidney Research UK, emphasised the need for more research into finding a cure: "A transplanted kidney lasts, on average, for 10-15 years. We are currently researching to try to make a transplanted kidney for life. More needs to be done.”

This article was published on Thu 11 March 2010