Patient Education Contents

Hypertension

Many times, there is an underlying reason for someone to have elevated blood pressure. If needed, your doctor at Hypertension and Nephrology Specialists will seek out such an underlying cause and will recommend treatment if it is deemed appropriate. Most likely you will have essential hypertension (blood pressure which is elevated for no identifiable reason). If you have essential hypertension your physician will use the physiologic data gathered to optimize your medications while attempting to limit the number of pills that you have to take. Lifestyle changes will be recommended as needed. If needed, a 24 hour blood pressure monitor may be performed.

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Labile Blood Pressure

Some people have blood pressure that is very variable with swings from very high to very low blood pressure. If this is your experience, you physician will recommend studies to further clarify your blood pressure pattern and will recommend medications to help minimize the condition. If needed, a 24 hour blood pressure monitor may be performed.

Kidney Disease

A problem with the ability of the kidney to properly filter and clean the blood is a common reason your primary doctor will refer you to a kidney doctor. There are many problems which can result in abnormal kidney function. Your kidney doctor will do a full examination of your kidney function via urine, blood and radiology studies to assess the cause of your kidney problem. Your kidney doctor will then make appropriate recommendations on how to treat the underlying condition and prevent further decline in kidney function.

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Protein in the Urine (Proteinuria)

Proteinuria is typically a problem with the kidney filter which permits protein to leak out into the urine. The protein in the urine can further damage the kidney. Your kidney doctor will perform urine and blood tests to discover the cause of the protein in the urine and will make appropriate recommendations on how to treat it. This may include blood pressure control, diabetes control (if appropriate) and specific medications to reduce the amount of protein in the urine.

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Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Blood in the urine can represent a direct kidney problem or a problem from anywhere in the urinary drainage system. Your kidney doctor will do blood, urine and radiology tests to check to see if the kidney’s are the cause of the blood in the urine. If needed, your kidney doctor will recommend medications to treat the cause of the blood in the urine.

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Low or High Potassium

Normally your kidneys will tightly regulate the potassium in your blood. If there is a kidney problem, your potassium may either become too high or too low. Your kidney doctor will do blood and urine tests to find the cause of the problem. He will then recommend medication and lifestyle changes to help better control your potassium level.

Click here for low potassium diet information.

Kidney Stones

There are multiple reasons that a person can have kidney stones. Some people have recurrent stones which can have a debilitating effect on their life. Your kidney doctor will do comprehensive blood and urine tests to find the cause of the kidney stones and the kidney stone type. Your kidney doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help prevent future kidney stones.

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Low or High Sodium

Sodium abnormalities are usually a combination of two problems: water abnormalities and salt abnormalities. Your kidney normally is in tight regulation of both of these. Your kidney doctor will perform blood and urine studies to discover the cause of the sodium problem and then will make appropriate medication and lifestyle changes to fix the problem.

Acid Build-Up (Acidosis)

One of the normal functions of the kidneys is to excrete the acid that builds up in the body. If the kidneys are permitting acid to build up in the blood then your health may be compromised. If you have acid build up, then your kidney doctor will investigate the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Low Blood Count (Anemia)

The kidneys produce the chemical signal that tells your body to make blood. If your kidneys are not functioning normally, they may not produce the correct signal to tell your body to make blood. Your kidney doctor will do blood tests to see if the kidneys are the cause of your anemia. If they are the cause then your doctor will recommend appropriate medical therapy to bring your blood count into a safer range.

Bone Disease (Hyperparathyroidism)

People who have kidney problems may have a hormonal imbalance which can cause bone disease. Your kidney doctor will perform blood tests to see if your kidney problem is affecting your bones in this way. If needed, your kidney doctor will recommend medication treatments to help best protect your bones.

Kidney Cysts

Kidney cysts are a common problem. While most cysts are completely harmless, some cysts could represent a serious underlying disorder. People who have multiple cysts in both kidneys may have an underlying kidney disease and may have compromise of their kidney function. A single atypical cyst may also represent a potentially dangerous problem. Your kidney doctor will do the appropriate blood, urine and radiology tests to determine if your cysts are simple and benign or if they are a sign of a more significant disease. If appropriate your kidney doctor will prescribe treatment to help you with this disorder.

Pregnancy and Kidney Disease

If you have kidney disease and you become pregnant it is important to ensure optimal control of your disorder. There is an increased risk to both the mother and to the offspring. Your kidney doctor will work in coordination with obstetrical doctors and maternal fetal medicine doctors to help optimize your kidney care during and after your pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Elevated Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood pressure can be elevated before, during, and after pregnancy. If your blood pressure is elevated at any time in the pregnancy there is increased risk of difficulties for the mother and the offspring. It is very important that the blood pressure be reduced to the optimal level of control. Your kidney doctor will work in coordination with obstetrical doctors and maternal fetal medicine doctors to help optimize your blood pressure during and after your pregnancy.

Dialysis Education

If a person's kidney function has decreased to such a degree that it becomes dangerously unhealthy for the person, or if such a decrease results in unacceptable hardships upon the person, then dialysis may be recommended. Hemodialysis takes place at a dialysis center three times per week. Peritoneal Dialysis takes place daily (most commonly during the night while sleeping) at home. The long term outcomes of both types of dialysis are generally believed to be the same. There are advantages and disadvantages to each modality. While you will be given more information from your physician, and you may be referred to a dialysis center for more detailed information, the below links will give you a general idea of the differences of the two modalities.

General Dialysis information (sample link)

Peritoneal Dialysis

Hemodialysis

Diet Information

With all of the dietary restrictions needed when someone has significant kidney disease, it can feel like a challenge to be able to find anything to eat. It is difficult to find a source of complete dietary information in one location. Your doctor can provide you with handouts for the most common recommendations for dietary changes and below are links to other sources which may be helpful as well.

Potassium Diet Information

Low Sodium Diet

Phosphorus Diet Information

Magnesium Diet Information

Low purine diet (uric acid)

Low Oxalate Diet

Links With More Information

National Kidney Foundation Nutrition Information

National Kidney Foundation "My Food Coach"

Litholink Nutrition Information