Last Updated on April 6, 2021
4. High cholesterol
What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is almost like a fat substance that lives in our blood. Having high cholesterol levels means you have a lot of this fat substance that can accumulate over time and cause a blockage in your heart vessels, which can lead to a heart attack and many other dangerous health issues. For those who have chronic kidney disease already, heart problems can be very common. This means that people who already have kidney problems should get their cholesterol levels checked out at least once a year, or maybe even once a month, depending on their overall health, lifestyle, and age.
3. Swelling
When you’re suffering from kidney issues, it means your kidneys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do, which is to filter blood, so sometimes what may happen is that the extra sodium and fluid left in your circulation can cause edema, also known as swelling, especially around your legs, ankles, feet, and hands. This, of course, is a major warning sign that should not be ignored, especially because kidney pain is very harsh and hard to ignore. So if you feel any type of sharp pain and notice some swelling, go to the hospital right away!
2. Blood in urine
Blood in urine or any type of weird substance like pus or protein is always a bad sign, especially if this substance is proteinuria or albumin, which are types of protein that are a clear indication of chronic kidney disease, but albumin can also be a risk factor for other health issues that may lead to death if not treated right away! This is why urine testing is so important in order to catch these abnormalities.
1. Dry, itchy skin
If you’re noticing that your skin has become extra dry or you suddenly feel itchy everywhere, know that this can be related to a kidney issue. Whenever our kidneys are working correctly, they remove extra fluid and other wastes from the body, help in the construction of red blood cells, and ensure that the bones are strong by maintaining the necessary amount of minerals inside the body. But when your kidneys are not functioning properly, these minerals are no longer balanced, leading to dry or itchy skin. Ultimately, you should be aware that kidney disease can happen to anyone at any age. Yes, some people are more likely to develop certain health issues, but you should never take your health for granted. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for this type of disease, only a treatment that can help you with symptoms and avoid its progression.
