Ever thought a slight dip in kidney function could be harmful?
According to a new study in Ontario, Canada, involving more than 8 million adults, even a modest loss in kidney function could pose serious health risks.
This research might shape the future of preventing chronic kidney disease, especially among younger adults.
Current medical understanding has often downplayed kidney health concerns for young adults unless their kidney function drops to about half of the normal level.
However, Dr. Manish Sood, the study’s senior author and a kidney disease specialist, cautions otherwise.
The research reveals that even a mild 20-30% drop in kidney function can have potential health consequences, suggesting the need for early prevention discussions.
The “Gray Zone” in Kidney Health
This research scrutinized health records from 2008 to 2021, focusing on Ontario adults aged 18-65 with at least one blood test for kidney function but no history of kidney disease.
Interestingly, 18% of those in the 18-39 age group showed kidney function slightly below normal, yet not low enough to be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
This kidney function “gray zone” comes with certain risks. Those in it had slightly increased chances of kidney failure, death, and heart-related problems.
For instance, a 20-30% loss in kidney function in young adults was tied to a 1.4-fold increase in death, a 1.3-fold rise in heart events, and a 6-fold jump in kidney failure risk.
Yet, the actual risk of these events remained low—less than 2 in 1,000.
Dr. Greg Knoll, co-senior author of the study, assures that individual risks in this “gray zone” are low. However, considering the entire population, these risks might have significant implications.
The team calls for further research to verify these findings and explore how lifestyle changes might mitigate these risks.
The Next Steps in Kidney Health Care
Despite the easy availability of kidney function tests (blood creatine), the researchers are not advocating for everyone to get tested routinely.
Still, a test showing a slight decrease in kidney function could be a wake-up call, leading to a vital conversation with a healthcare provider.
General healthful practices such as eating a low-salt diet, regular exercise, and minimal alcohol consumption could also lower kidney disease risks.
Dr. Sood’s team previously created a tool, the Project BigLife Chronic Kidney Disease calculator, to help people understand their kidney disease risk and the potential benefits of lifestyle changes.
As new research emerges, this calculator will continue to be updated, helping to navigate the intricate path of kidney health.
The study was published in The BMJ.
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