How would I know if might get kidney failure?

Risk factors for kidney failure include:

* Diabetes: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing kidney disease because high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

* High blood pressure: High blood pressure is another major risk factor for kidney failure. When blood pressure is too high, it can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and lead to kidney disease.

* Heart disease: People with heart disease are also at increased risk of kidney failure. This is because heart disease can reduce the blood flow to the kidneys, which can damage them.

* Family history of kidney failure: If you have a family history of kidney failure, you are at increased risk of developing the condition yourself.

* Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, painkillers, and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the kidneys.

* Age: The risk of kidney failure increases with age. This is because the kidneys' function declines as we get older.

* Race: African Americans and Hispanics are at increased risk of kidney failure.

If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of kidney failure.

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