Kidney Disease: Who’s at risk, 6 Early Signs and the Tests you need.

Several factors increase the risk of developing early signs of kidney disease. Here are some of the main risk factors:  

Health Conditions:

• Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for kidney disease.  
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time.  
• Heart Disease: Conditions like heart failure and coronary artery disease can affect kidney function.  

Lifestyle Factors:

• Obesity: Excess weight can strain the kidneys.  
• Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels, including those in the kidneys.  
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking can harm the kidneys.  
• Frequent Use of Pain Relievers (NSAIDs): Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys.  

Other Factors:

• Family History of Kidney Disease: A family history of kidney disease increases your risk.  
• Age: The risk of kidney disease increases with age.  
• Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans are at higher risk.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and polycystic kidney disease, can affect kidney function.  

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to see a doctor regularly for checkups and screenings. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help prevent complications.