According to the SA Renal registry annual report 2015, published 1 September 2017, hypertension (high blood pressure) is the leading cause of kidney failure in South Africa. About 34% of kidney failure cases, are caused by high blood pressure.
The kidney, filters waste and regulates fluid, hormones, acids and salt through small, finger-like nephrons, which receive oxygen and essential nutrients through a dense network of tiny capillaries. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to these tiny arteries around the kidneys. They narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries then fail to deliver the necessary oxygen and nutrients to the nephrons, causing the kidneys to lose their ability to function optimally. The extra fluid in the body raises blood pressure creating further damage to the blood vessels which eventually leads to kidney failure.
It’s recommended that you keep your blood pressure below 140/90. A healthy diet, exercise, controlled stress levels, abstaining from smoking and in some instances, medication will assist in controlling blood pressure.
A conventional blood test will detect kidney disease when the kidneys have already lost approximately 50% function and irreversible damage has already been done, whereas a urine test would detect a type of protein called albumin indicating that the kidney could be damaged.
The Kidney Protect specialist team are on standby to provide a urine analysis, provide guidance on further diagnostic processes and provide a treatment plan according to your needs. Contact Kidney Protect on info@kidney-protect.com for information on the closest clinic in your area.