Risk Factors
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Risk Factors

  • Back view of a young woman looking to her left.
    Kidney disease has a higher mortality rate than most forms of cancers.

    There are a number of risk factors for kidney disease, some that you can control such as smoking, and others that you cannot.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure or who have a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk, as well as children born with kidneys that did not develop properly.

People of Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, Pacific Island, African/Caribbean and Hispanic descent are also at higher risk, but you may develop kidney disease even if you do not fall into one of these groups.

  • High Blood Pressure & Kidney Disease
    High blood pressure (also called hypertension) may cause chronic kidney disease. The reverse is also true: chronic kidney disease frequently causes high blood pressure.
    Learn More
  • Diabetes & Kidney Disease
    Even with the use of insulin or other medications, people who have had diabetes for some time often suffer from damage to the small blood vessels such as the ones in the filters of the kidneys. If left untreated, this could lead to more damage or kidney failure.
    Learn More

Be very careful about taking non-prescription medications, particularly painkillers. It is wise to discuss all over-the-counter medications with a doctor or pharmacist before they are taken. Certain other medications, toxins, pesticides and illegal drugs (such as heroin and cocaine) can also cause kidney damage.

Recent estimates suggest that as many as two million Canadians have chronic kidney disease or are at risk — most are unaware of it. If you are over the age of 50 or fall into any of the aforementioned risk categories, ask your doctor for a blood test to know your kidney function level.

Back view of a young woman looking to her left.

Are You At Risk?

Did you know that 1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease? Take 10 minutes to answer these 10 questions. The answers will help you know if you should talk to your doctor about having your kidney function checked.

Take the quiz