Your Kidneys: Silent Workers That Deserve Attention
Your kidneys filter approximately 180 litres of blood daily, regulate fluid balance, control blood pressure, manage electrolytes, produce hormones, and eliminate waste products. Yet kidney disease is often called “silent” because significant damage can occur before symptoms appear. At our practice in Zürich Seefeld, I screen kidney function as part of routine health assessments because early detection of kidney disease dramatically improves outcomes.
Key Kidney Markers
Creatinine: A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys. When kidney filtration declines, creatinine levels rise. However, creatinine alone is affected by muscle mass, diet, and hydration – which is why eGFR provides a better picture.
eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Calculated from creatinine, age, sex, and sometimes cystatin C. It estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Normal eGFR is above 90 mL/min. Values between 60-89 warrant monitoring; below 60 indicates chronic kidney disease requiring active management.
Urea (BUN): Another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Less specific than creatinine but useful in combination.
Cystatin C: An alternative filtration marker less influenced by muscle mass. Useful when creatinine-based eGFR may be inaccurate (very muscular or very lean individuals).
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): Detects protein leakage into urine – an early sign of kidney damage, particularly in diabetes and hypertension.
Common Causes of Abnormal Kidney Values
Diabetes: The leading cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar damages the delicate filtering units (glomeruli).
Hypertension: The second leading cause. Uncontrolled blood pressure damages kidney blood vessels over time.
Dehydration: A common, reversible cause of mildly elevated creatinine. Adequate hydration normalises values.
Medications: NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, contrast dyes, and high-dose vitamin C can affect kidney function.
Kidney stones: Can cause acute kidney function changes if they obstruct the urinary tract.
Autoimmune conditions: Glomerulonephritis and other autoimmune kidney diseases.
Age-related decline: Kidney function naturally declines with age, but the rate is influenced by blood pressure, blood sugar, and lifestyle.
Our Approach
I screen kidney function with creatinine, eGFR, and urine ACR – especially in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors. When abnormalities are found, I investigate the cause, assess for reversible factors, and implement strategies to protect remaining kidney function.
What We Do: Protecting Your Kidneys
Blood pressure control: Keeping blood pressure at target (typically below 130/80) is the single most important intervention for kidney protection.
Blood sugar management: Optimal glucose control slows diabetic kidney disease progression significantly.
Medication review: Avoiding nephrotoxic medications and adjusting doses for reduced kidney function.
Hydration: Adequate fluid intake supports kidney function – typically 1.5-2 litres daily unless restricted.
Dietary modifications: Moderate protein intake, reduced sodium, and adequate potassium (unless contraindicated) support kidney health.
Nephrology referral: When kidney function is significantly reduced or declining, I coordinate with nephrologists for specialist management.
Conclusion
Your kidneys work silently and tirelessly – until they can’t. Regular screening and early intervention can prevent or slow kidney disease progression. If you have risk factors or want to understand your kidney values, book an assessment at our practice in Zürich Seefeld.
