Kidney and urinary tract disease are very common health issues for the Australian community. One in three Australians are at increased risk of developing kidney disease.

The risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease, smoking, overweight, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

Almost one million adults greater than twenty-five years of age suffer from diabetes in Australia. Only half of these individuals are aware that they have diabetes. As the number of people with diabetes grows, so will the number of diabetics developing kidney disease.

More tha one third of our adult population have high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension affects the majority of patients with kidney disease and is the primary cause of kidney failure.

Chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which results in heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death amongst patients with chronic kidney disease.

Symptoms Checklist
If you have any of the following symptoms you should consult your doctor and ask that your kidneys be checked:

• Blood in your urine or very dark urine
• Urine that is foamy or bubbly
• Swelling of your face, feet or hands
• Shortness of breath from fluid in the lungs
• Unexplained fatigue, tiredness or weakness

At Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smokers
• Over 50 years of age
• Overweight
• Family history of kidney disease
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent