CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) is a long-term condition in which the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It is a common condition and is often associated with getting older.

There are usually no symptoms of kidney disease in the early stages and it may only be identified if you have a blood or urine test.  This may have already been carried out.

CKD can worsen over time and occasionally the kidneys may stop working, but this is rare and most people live normal lives with CKD. A healthy lifestyle and management of any underlying causes help prevent CKD getting worse.

Kidney function is monitored by a blood test.

Adults with CKD are at a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Clinical trials have shown that taking a tablet called a statin reduces the incidence of having a heart attack or a stroke in patients with CKD by one quarter (SHARP trial 2011). It has also been shown that taking a statin can reduce the progression of CKD.

NICE guidance recommends taking atorvastatin 20mg daily. Your GP Practice will contact you if you are not already taking this medication.

For further information on statins follow this link>>

In Stage 1, kidney function is 90% or higher, and in Stage 2 it falls between 60% and 89%. Stage 3 kidney function ranges from 30% to 59%. During these stages, there may be no specific symptoms, but kidney function can slowly decline.

At Stage 4 (between 15% and 29% of normal kidney function), kidney function is very low, and treatment for kidney failure may soon be needed.

In Stage 5 (less than 15% of normal kidney function), the kidneys can no longer remove waste products and excess fluid effectively. This is known as kidney failure. Although there is no cure, treatment options are available.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of CKD on the NHS website here>>