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Introduction to End Stage Renal Disease
Risk Factors for Kidney Failure
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease or condition. Risk factors for renal failure include:
- Age - Persons over 65 years of age have a four to five-fold increased risk
- History of chronic renal insufficiency
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Coronary artery disease, especially a history of heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
- Heroin abuse
- Tobacco use
- African American race
- Lower socioeconomic status
- Obesity
- Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood
- Family history of kidney disease
