Risks for CKD in Hispanic Americans

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem for Hispanic Americans. What can be done? ( En español, haz clic acqúi)

Riesgos para los hispanoamericanos de contraer la enfermedad crónica del riñón

Para ayudar a disminuir el riesgo de contraer la enfermedad crónica del riñón, veamos cuáles son los riesgos y cómo podemos prevenirlos.

The DaVita.com GFR Calculator

Get an estimate of a GFR to help learn about the stages of chronic kidney disease and what they mean. Naturally, you will need to visit your physician for a proper diagnosis, but the GRF Calculator will provide information about typical steps taken to ensure the best care.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

After being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease it's important to learn all you can about the disease and how to treat it. A better understanding will help make it easier to talk to your doctor and make decisions about your health.

Who gets end stage renal disease (ESRD)?

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) when dialysis or a transplant is needed to stay alive. But who gets ESRD? Find out what leads to ESRD and if you are at risk.

Acute kidney failure - when kidneys suddenly stop working

Most kidney disease occurs gradually over many years, however, there are times when kidneys suddenly stop working. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of acute kidney failure and how it may be prevented.

What is end stage renal disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is divided into five stages, the last stage is called end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is the time when dialysis or transplant is needed to stay alive. Learn what is happening in the body during ESRD.

Overview about kidneys

Kidneys do a lot more than produce urine. These amazing, fist-sized, bean-shaped organs have a big responsibility in the body. Find out what they do and how they do their jobs.

Understanding your lab work

GFR. Kt/V. BUN. CCr. This alphabet soup represents important tests given to people with chronic kidney disease. These tests and others tell you and your health care team how well your kidneys are working and if your treatment plan is effective. Understanding what these tests measure and what the results mean can help you manage your condition.

Stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has divided chronic kidney disease into five stages to create a guideline to identify and treat each level of kidney disease. The first four stages focus on ways to preserve kidney function for as long as possible, while the final stage—kidney failure—reviews treatment choices. Learn about the five different stages.

Stage 1 of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Stage 2 of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Stage 3 of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Stage 4 of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has divided chronic kidney disease into five stages to help those who have renal disease know when they are at end stage renal failure and need dialysis. This article talks about Stage 4 CKD.

Stage 5 of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Risks for CKD in African Americans

Did you know African Americans are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease leading to dialysis and transplant? Compared to other ethnic groups, the African American population has higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the two leading causes of kidney disease. In honor of Black History Month we want everyone to be more aware of health issues affecting African Americans and encourage those at risk to schedule an appointment with their health care professional.

What's your blood pressure?

Did you know high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney disease? Did you know about one in six American adults has high blood pressure? Could you be one of them?

Native Americans and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

One in three Native Americans struggles with diabetes, which puts them at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). If you are Native American, what do you need to know about these two conditions and how can you protect your health? Find out more about why your heritage may place you at a higher risk for CKD and what you can do about it.

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects about 12.5 million people around the world. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure. PKD is a hereditary disorder. Polycystic kidney disease is when fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys. Many cysts form in each kidney which can lead to renal failure.

Use of radiological tools for evaluating kidney disease

Advances in medicine are not only used to treat diseases, but also to diagnose them. Radiological tools, including x-rays, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be tests you have undergone. DaVita nephrologist, Dr. Purushottama Sagireddy, shares the various radiological tests doctors use to diagnose kidney disease and explains what information is provided by each test.

Risks for CKD in Asian Americans

Learn about the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on this population group and, more importantly, how to stay healthy.

Women's health risks and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

There are several unique issues a woman will deal with in her health care. Learn more about the concerns that confront women with chronic kidney disease.

Kidney stones and chronic kidney disease

Kidney stones, if left untreated, can lead to more serious kidney problems such as chronic kidney disease. Treatment of kidney stones and taking steps to prevent reoccurrence can reduce the risk of kidney stones progressing to disease.

Renal cancer and chronic kidney disease

Renal cell cancer (RCC), or kidney cancer, is an abnormal mass or tumor growing in the kidney. It may spread to other parts of the body, most often the bones or lungs. Statistics from the National Cancer Institute estimated that more than 38,000 Americans would be diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2006.

What is kidney failure or renal failure?

When your doctor says you have kidney failure or renal failure, what does that mean? What are the next steps in your treatment? How will you feel? Find out what to expect and how to live with kidney failure or renal failure.

Do you have symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Chronic kidney disease happens over time; however, there are usually few symptoms to indicate there is a problem until a person is in kidney failure and needs dialysis. For those who may have kidney problems and have symptoms, seeing a doctor early may help them be able to slow the progression of kidney disease and delay or prevent dialysis. Here are some symptoms of kidney disease.