Health topic · Kidney health
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term reduction in kidney function that often has no early symptoms. Learn which tests detect it and who should be checked.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
Overview
The NHS describes chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. NIDDK notes that diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes.
Why it matters
Early CKD usually causes no symptoms, so it is typically found through blood and urine tests. Kidney disease is also linked with higher cardiovascular risk.
How it is detected
A blood test for creatinine is used to estimate kidney function (eGFR), and a urine test checks for protein (albumin). Results are usually repeated before conclusions are drawn.
What helps
Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, not smoking and reviewing medicines with a clinician are commonly recommended to protect kidney function.
Factors that can affect the result
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Family history
- Older age
Questions people commonly ask
- Does one low eGFR result mean kidney disease?
- Not necessarily. CKD is defined by changes lasting at least three months, so tests are repeated.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Related topics
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Chronic kidney disease. NHS.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). NIDDK.