Nephrology and Cardiology

Our kidneys have many functions, but when they fail, fluid and waste products build up in the body. Blood pressure becomes unregulated. Anemia may develop due to decreased production of hormone EPO (eythropoietin) and bone demineralization can occur due to disrupted calcium absorption. Eventually, the blood becomes acidic.

Kidney failure is treated with dialysis, possibly kidney transplantation and a specialized diet.

In chronic kidney failure, kidney function is reduced over a long period, causing permanent damage to the kidney tissue. The kidneys have a large reserve capacity. When kidney function decreases by 50%, symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea and muscle cramps may occur. If kidney function falls by more than 90 %, kidney replacement therapy (such as dialysis) or a kidney transplant is often necessary.

Common complications of kidney disease include high blood pressure, anemia, clotting disorders, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced resistance to infections and a higher risk of fractures.

The goal of treatment is to slow or stop the decline in kidney function as much as possible and to prevent complications.

• Protein restriction, because proteins produces many waste products such as urea.
• Sufficient calories intake.
• Sodium restriction in case of high blood pressure.
• Fat restriction, especially saturated fats, due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Potassium restriction because of the increased risk of heart arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
• Phosphorus restriction to prevent possible bone demineralization.