Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Renal medicine

Chronic kidney disease. Part 1: detection and preservation of renal function

Maureen Lonergan
Abstract
Early identification of patients with renal disease and aggressive intervention can slow the loss of renal function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease developing. This is the first of two articles on chronic renal failure.
Key Points
  • Kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Aggressive treatment of kidney disease slows the loss of renal function and also protects against the development of cardiovascular disease.
  • Good blood pressure control is essential for the preservation of renal function. Multiple antihypertensives are usually required.
  • Other strategies for preserving renal function are avoiding nephrotoxic medications, reducing doses of or ceasing other medications, controlling blood glucose and paying attention to diet and lifestyle issues, including stopping smoking.
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