When you visit your physician to be screened for kidney disease, he or she will measure certain aspects of your physical health.
Some or all of the following tests may be used to check your health. Ask your healthcare team which tests you will have and how often they will be done. If your numbers are not in the normal range, ask how to improve them.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is considered by medical professionals to be the best measure of kidney function. Knowing your GFR helps your health care provider figure what stage of kidney disease you might have and what type of treatment you may need.
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. If you have hypertension (high-blood pressure), you are at greater risk of developing kidney disease. Measuring your blood pressure helps your doctor know how well your cardiovascular system is working.
Weight is important to your overall health. Being overweight can increase your chances of developing chronic kidney disease. Once your doctor knows your weight, he or she can help you develop a plan to become more fit, if necessary.
Albumin (ACR) is a type of protein made from the food you eat each day and should not be excreted in the urine. Having albumin in the urine is an abnormal finding.
For more information, download this helpful Understanding Your Numbers guide from the National Kidney Foundation.
