Risk Factors for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop ESRD with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing ESRD. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Risk factors for ESRD include the following:
- Genetics—Genetic factors have been identified, which either increase the risk of developing chronic renal failure or hasten the progression of this disease.
- Smoking—Smoking has been linked to the progression of renal disease among diabetic and hypertensive patients.
- Hyperlipidemia —Various lipid disorders are associated with the development of and progression to chronic renal failure.
- Recreational drugs—Opiates and cocaine have been linked to an increased risk for end-stage renal disease.
- Diabetes—Diabetes is the biggest risk factor for developing ESRD; one-third of the people who develop ESRD have diabetes.
- Hypertensenion (high blood pressure)—Hypertension is the second most common cause of renal failure.
- Glomerulonephritis —This disease damages the glomeruli, which are the filtering units in the kidney. It is the third leading cause of renal failure.
- Drug use—Overuse of over-the-counter pain medication or abuse of illegal drugs increases your risk of ESRD.
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Other diseases—These conditions also affect kidney functioning:
- Kidney stones
- Polycystic kidney disease (cysts in the kidney)
- Systemic lupus erythematosis
- Congenital nephrotic syndrome
- Atherosclerosis
References:
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/.
National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/.
Yu HT. Progression of chronic renal failure. Arch Int Med. 2003;163:1417-1429.
Last reviewed April 2007 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.