A startling fact reveals that African Americans face an elevated risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) that can ultimately necessitate dialysis or transplantation. When compared to other ethnic groups, African Americans exhibit higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure, which stand as the primary culprits behind kidney disease.
Nearly one in three African Americans lives with high blood pressure, a condition often devoid of warning signs. Consequently, individuals may have high blood pressure or kidney disease without realizing it. Even diabetes, at times, manifests no symptoms. Therefore, regular physicals or screenings for high blood pressure and diabetes become imperative. If you receive a clean bill of health, adopting a healthy lifestyle can aid in disease prevention. In case you are diagnosed with diabetes and/or high blood pressure, it is crucial to discuss your condition with a healthcare professional and adhere to prescribed medications.
Many African Americans are aware of their diabetes or high blood pressure but remain oblivious to the presence of kidney disease until kidney failure strikes suddenly. Factors contributing to kidney failure include drug abuse, HIV, and sickle cell disease.
Early diagnosis of diseases that may lead to kidney problems empowers individuals to take steps in preventing or delaying kidney failure and reducing the risks of severe complications. When kidney failure occurs, dialysis or kidney transplantation remains the only treatment recourse.
Increased awareness is the cornerstone of improved health. Consider making February the month when you assess your health risks related to kidney disease. Share these staggering statistics with African American family members and friends, and schedule an appointment for health checks to understand your numbers better.
Type-2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes among African Americans. Risk factors for type-2 diabetes include:
While some common symptoms exist, it’s possible to have diabetes without experiencing any. Thus, regular check-ups are essential.
Preventive measures against these diseases include:
If already diagnosed with diabetes and/or high blood pressure, following these steps along with medication adherence and regular physician visits are vital.
High blood pressure ranks as the second most common cause of kidney failure in African Americans. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:
High blood pressure typically presents no symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular blood pressure checks.
Risk factors for kidney disease include:
Symptoms of kidney disease encompass:
Remember, kidney disease can be asymptomatic, making regular check-ups imperative.
To enhance their health prospects, African Americans can:
You can also consider attending a no-cost Kidney Smart education class held locally or online. Spreading awareness about kidney disease risks in African Americans is crucial for better health.