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Why High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Kidney Failure

Why High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Kidney Failure

About 108 million people in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and about 37 million people have chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure is measured by the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls as your heart continues to pump out blood. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the increase of that force on blood vessels as blood moves through the body. Your kidneys filter your blood, about half a cup per minute. They do this to remove waste and excess water to make urine. So, how can high blood pressure lead to kidney failure? High blood pressure can narrow your blood vessels, which harms them and makes them weaker throughout the body, thus reducing blood flow and affecting your kidneys.

This becomes an issue for your kidneys if the blood vessels become damaged, as they may no longer work properly and remove waste and extra fluid. Having excess fluid in this cycle can cause you to raise your blood pressure even more and lead to kidney failure. Keep reading to learn more about how you and your doctor can diagnose and catch kidney disease before it worsens due to high blood pressure.

hands holiding red heart with kidney

 

First Stage Kidney Disease Symptoms

Kidney failure first-stage symptoms can be subtle and may not be noticed until the disease has progressed. So, how do you know if you're in the first stage of kidney disease? It's crucial to be aware of the subtle hints your body might be giving you. While the symptoms may not be obvious, there are symptoms you can look out for. Here are some first-stage kidney failure symptoms to watch out for:

  • Fatigue: You may begin to feel unusually tired, even after a full night's sleep.
  • Changes in Urination: Pay attention to any changes in the frequency or color of your urine. You may notice that you're urinating more frequently, or it may appear foamy or darker than usual.
  • Swelling: Kidney dysfunction can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in your ankles, feet, or face.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: As waste products build up in your bloodstream, you might experience difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
  • Increased Thirst: You might find yourself drinking more water than usual due to excessive thirst.

Common Kidney Disease Tests

If you suspect that you have kidney disease, several tests can be completed to diagnose it. Kidney disease diagnosis is vital for early intervention and management. These tests include:

  • Blood Pressure Measurement: Hypertension is a common cause of kidney disease. Monitoring your blood pressure can reveal potential issues.
  • Urinalysis: A simple urine test can detect protein or blood in your urine, which can be signs of kidney problems.
  • Blood Tests: A simple urine test can detect protein or blood in your urine, which can be signs of kidney problems.
  • Imaging: Imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can identify structural abnormalities in the kidneys.
  • Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to determine the extent of kidney damage.

Schedule an Appointment with a Nephrologist in the Milwaukee, WI Area

At Midwest Nephrology, we are committed to providing individualized care and guidance to our patients, providing the best possible care for each kidney condition. Being one of Wisconsin’s longest-operating and largest nephrology groups, you can easily find a Midwest Nephrology location with a team of providers ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology Associates for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Doctor showing a model of kidneys by their chest

What is the First Stage of Kidney Disease?

What is the First Stage of Kidney Disease?

Kidneys diligently filter out waste and excess fluids from our blood, maintaining a delicate balance of electrolytes. But what happens when these essential organs start to fail? Let's delve into the first stages of kidney failure and understand how this condition unfolds.

During the first stages of kidney failure, the kidneys cannot filter waste products from the blood as efficiently as they should. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can cause various health problems. Multiple factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain medications, can cause kidney disease.

Kidney disease is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive disease that can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. The 1st stage of kidney disease is when the kidneys start to lose their ability to function correctly. This stage is also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1. In this stage, the kidneys still function normally, but there are some signs of damage.

Doctor showing a model of kidneys by their chest

 

First Stage Kidney Disease Symptoms

Kidney failure first-stage symptoms can be subtle and may not be noticed until the disease has progressed. So, how do you know if you're in the first stage of kidney disease? It's crucial to be aware of the subtle hints your body might be giving you. While the symptoms may not be obvious, there are symptoms you can look out for. Here are some first-stage kidney failure symptoms to watch out for:

  • Fatigue: You may begin to feel unusually tired, even after a full night's sleep.
  • Changes in Urination: Pay attention to any changes in the frequency or color of your urine. You may notice that you're urinating more frequently, or it may appear foamy or darker than usual.
  • Swelling: Kidney dysfunction can lead to fluid retention, causing swelling in your ankles, feet, or face.
  • Difficulty Concentrating: As waste products build up in your bloodstream, you might experience difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
  • Increased Thirst: You might find yourself drinking more water than usual due to excessive thirst.

Common Kidney Disease Tests

If you suspect that you have kidney disease, several tests can be completed to diagnose it. Kidney disease diagnosis is vital for early intervention and management. These tests include:

  • Blood Pressure Measurement: Hypertension is a common cause of kidney disease. Monitoring your blood pressure can reveal potential issues.
  • Urinalysis: A simple urine test can detect protein or blood in your urine, which can be signs of kidney problems.
  • Blood Tests: A simple urine test can detect protein or blood in your urine, which can be signs of kidney problems.
  • Imaging: Imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can identify structural abnormalities in the kidneys.
  • Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to determine the extent of kidney damage.

Schedule an Appointment with a Nephrologist in the Milwaukee, WI Area

At Midwest Nephrology, we are committed to providing individualized care and guidance to our patients, providing the best possible care for each kidney condition. Being one of Wisconsin’s longest-operating and largest nephrology groups, you can easily find a Midwest Nephrology location with a team of providers ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology Associates for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Kidney test vial being held over results sheet

Kidney Testing

Overview of Kidney Test Functions

Regular kidney testing is crucial in maintaining optimal kidney health and detecting potential issues early on. During a routine check-up, your healthcare provider may order a series of kidney function tests to assess the health and functionality of your kidneys. These tests aim to measure various parameters that indicate kidney function and identify potential kidney diseases. The severity of these tests usually varies depending on the individual's medical history, risk factors, and symptoms.

Starting with the most basic test, a urinalysis examines a urine sample for the presence of protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other substances. Urinalysis helps identify early signs of kidney damage or infection.

Blood tests, such as serum creatine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), are commonly performed. These tests assess the levels of waste products in the blood, typically filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function.

More specialized tests like glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation can provide a more accurate measure of kidney function. GFR measures how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

In cases where more severe kidney diseases are suspected, additional tests may be ordered. These may include imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans to evaluate the kidneys’ size, shape, and abnormalities. Biopsy, which involves extracting a small sample of kidney tissue for examination, may be conducted to diagnose the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction.

What Each Kidney Function Test Looks For?

 

What Each Kidney Function Test Looks For

Kidney function testing identifies potential kidney diseases and assesses the kidney’s overall health and performance. Below is an overview of what each kidney test looks for:

  • Urinalysis: This test checks for the presence of abnormal substances in the urine, such as Albumin, a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
  • Serum Creatinine and BUN: These blood tests measure waste product levels in the blood. Elevated levels suggest impaired kidney function or other kidney-related issues.
  • GFR Blood Test: Glomerular filtration rate estimates the kidneys' ability to filter waste from the blood. A low GFR may indicate reduced kidney function.
    Imaging Tests: Ultrasounds and CT scans provide visual images of the kidneys, helping identify abnormalities, such as kidney stones or tumors.
  • Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be necessary to diagnose specific kidney diseases by examining a small sample of kidney tissue.

Regular kidney testing is essential, as it allows healthcare professionals to detect kidney disease early on, monitor kidney function, and implement appropriate treatments to prevent further damage. Suppose you experience frequent urination, blood in urine, or persistent fatigue. In that case, scheduling an appointment for kidney testing is essential to maintaining kidney health.

Schedule an Appointment with a Nephrologist in the Milwaukee, WI Area

At Midwest Nephrology, we are committed to providing individualized care and guidance to our patients, providing the best possible care for each kidney condition. Being one of Wisconsin’s longest-operating and largest nephrology groups, you can easily find a Midwest Nephrology location with a team of providers ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology Associates for more information about kidney testing and to schedule a consultation.

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Nurse wearing face mask stretching and getting ready to help implement a medical procedure

Kidney Biopsy Procedure, Risks, and Recovery Time

Kidney Biopsy Procedure, Risks, and Recovery Time

A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose and assess kidney conditions and kidney disease. Kidney biopsies involve obtaining a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope. Kidney biopsy reasons may vary, though your healthcare provider may order a kidney biopsy for an unexplained drop in kidney function, chronic blood in urine, protein found in urine, or following a kidney transplant.

 

How Long Does a Kidney Biopsy Procedure Take?

A kidney biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose and assess kidney conditions and kidney disease. Kidney biopsies involve obtaining a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope. Kidney biopsy reasons may vary, though your healthcare provider may order a kidney biopsy for an unexplained drop in kidney function, chronic blood in urine, protein found in urine, or following a kidney transplant. 

During a kidney biopsy, two main techniques are commonly used: open biopsy and needle biopsy. An open biopsy is a more invasive procedure that involves making a small incision in the back or side to access the kidney directly. Open biopsies are performed under general anesthesia and the kidney biopsy procedure time can be from one to two hours. More commonly used is a needle biopsy or renal biopsy. Needle biopsies are minimally invasive and involve inserting a thin needle through the skin and into the kidney to collect the tissue sample. Needle biopsies are typically performed under local anesthesia and take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Kidney biopsies are generally safe, though risks include discomfort around the biopsy site, bleeding from the kidney, and infection.

What Are the Risk and Recovery Time After a Kidney Biopsy?

Depending on the kidney biopsy performed and your healthcare provider’s preferences, kidney biopsy procedure recovery time can vary. As the anesthesia wears off, you will be taken to a recovery room for observation and monitoring. You will be asked to lay on your back for several hours while a nurse checks for signs of bleeding. When your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable you may be taken to a hospital room or discharged. 

Following a kidney biopsy, it is recommended to rest for 24 to 48 hours and limit physical activity. You should avoid strenuous physical activities for the first week following the procedure, avoiding activities like jogging, tennis, aerobics, and horseback riding. Depending on the physical requirements of your job, your healthcare provider may recommend taking two or more days off of work following the procedure. If you experience symptoms such as severe pain, persistent bleeding, or difficulty urinating following a kidney biopsy, you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.

Schedule an Appointment with a Nephrologist in the Milwaukee, WI area

At Midwest Nephrology, we are committed to providing individualized care and guidance to our patients, providing the best possible care for each kidney condition. Being one of the longest-operating and largest nephrology groups in Wisconsin, you can easily find a Midwest Nephrology location with a team of providers ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology Associates for more information about kidney biopsies and to schedule a consultation.

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Caring hands holding paper shape of kidneys

9 Tips On Finding the Best Nephrologist for Your Care

Choosing the Right Nephrologist for You

Nephrologists specialize in conditions and diseases that affect your kidneys, but finding the right doctor for your condition can be difficult. At Midwest Nephrology, our goal is to make it as simple and hassle-free as possible to connect you with the specialist that is right for you. Our experienced staff has many years of experience providing comprehensive care for a variety of conditions. Look at our online physician profiles for more information about our physicians, their experience, and specialties.

Around 12,000 people are living with kidney failure in Wisconsin alone, and in the United States, 37 million people have kidney disease. Your health is important, and our experts at Midwest Nephrology are highly skilled and experienced physicians dedicated to improving your quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about finding the right nephrologist for your specific condition and needs. 

Caring hands holding paper shape of kidneys

 

9 Tips On Finding the Best Nephrologist for Your Care

There are many factors that may influence your decision to choose one nephrologist over another, here are some things to consider when finding the right physician for your specific needs and preferences. 

  1. Referrals: Consider the overall reputation and credentials of a nephrologist prior to scheduling an appointment.
  2. Experience: It may be helpful to consider whether a particular nephrologist has expertise in the area you are concerned about. Our physicians’ specialties and general experience can be found by visiting our physician profiles. 
  3. New Patient On-Boarding Information: Download and prepare everything you need for your first visit.
  4. Hospital Quality: Research the hospital’s overall quality and reputation. 
  5. Location: Midwest Nephrology has many locations around the Milwaukee, WI area. 
  6. Patient Reviews: Consider reading patient reviews and recommendations.
  7. Staff and Availability: Look into specific staff members and their availability during the time period you are seeking care for. 
  8. Compatibility/Communication styles: It is important to find a specialist that you feel comfortable sharing information with and asking questions. 
  9. Specialty: It is important to choose a nephrologist that specializes in your current illness.

Schedule an Appointment with a Nephrologist in the Milwaukee, WI area

At Midwest Nephrology, our dedicated team of providers and certified staff are ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology if you have any questions or are looking for a consultation today. 

In order to prepare for your appointment, make sure to ask about any restrictions you must be aware of such as fluid intake or sodium levels. Keep a detailed account of your symptoms, recent stressors, and current medications. Make sure to bring past medical information and any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment, you can visit our website’s homepage or contact us through the secure form listed above.

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