Pathophysiology

The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste products from the blood and to get rid of the bodys excess water. In renal failure, this function decreases over time. Eventually, wastes and excess fluids cannot be removed from the body. Waste products and fluid build up because they are not being filtered. This can cause issues in other body functions such as vitamin D/bone health, production of red blood cells (RBC), and control of blood pressure. Hemodialysis or a kidney transplant can save the life of one with kidney disease. There are many causes of renal failure but two major causes are high blood pressure and diabetes.

RENAL FAILURE

By: Courtney Elvis Pre-Med: Block 3

http://www.makehealtheasy.com/heal th-conditions/acute-renal-failure-arf

*from http://surgery.med.miami.edu/vascularand-endovascular/patient-careservices/renal-vascular-disease

Symptoms
Symptoms of other illnesses are also symptoms of the disease at its early stages. Until the condition worsens, these may be the only symptoms. These include but are not

*from http://providencecanhelp.com/renalfailure/

limited to: loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches,

back pain (where kidneys are found), nausea/vomiting & a constant feeling of thirst.

Diagnostic Tools

Medications
The following is a list of medications and what they are used for:

Dietary Considerations & Other Recommendations

*from manhattangmat.com

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers: These help keep the
*from http://bloodpressurereadings.net/ There are many types of tests used to diagnose kidney failure. The following are three important tests: 1. eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): This test shows how well your kidneys clean the blood. Also, the levels of creatinine in the blood will be tested. There may be a sign of disease if the number is less than 60 for 3 mos. 2. Urine Test: This test determines if there is blood or protein in the urine. If

kidneys functioning, but mostly lower blood pressure. 2. Statins: lower cholesterol levels 3. Diuretics: used to balance amount of fluids in the body; patients retain fluids, causing swelling. 4. Calcium/vitamin D supplements: help keep bones strong

If you want to protect your kidneys, these are a few things you should do: 1. Eat meals that are: (1) low in fat, (2) low in cholesterol, (3) low in salt and (4) low in potassium. 2. Get plenty of exercise. 3. Do not smoke. 4. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume. 5. Control cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

*from scientificamerican.com

so, there could be a chance renal failure

is present. 3. Blood pressure: This shows how hard the heart is pumping blood through the body. Renal failure may cause high bp.