Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping you healthy. They filter waste from your blood, balance fluids and minerals, and help control blood pressure. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means the kidneys are not working as well as they should — and the changes usually happen slowly over time.

Many older adults live well with CKD by understanding the condition and taking steps to protect kidney function.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood effectively. CKD is often divided into stages, from mild (early) to severe (advanced).

💡 Important: Many people with early CKD feel no symptoms, which is why lab tests and regular monitoring matter.

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Why CKD Is More Common in Older Adults

Your risk of CKD is higher if you:

• Are over age 60
• Have diabetes
• Have high blood pressure
• Have heart disease
• Take certain medications long term
• Have a family history of kidney disease

CKD often occurs alongside other chronic conditions.

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Common Symptoms of CKD

Symptoms may appear slowly and can be subtle.

CKD Symptom Checklist

☐ Fatigue or low energy
☐ Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands
☐ Changes in urination (amount, color, frequency)
☐ Shortness of breath
☐ Muscle cramps
☐ Poor appetite or nausea
☐ Trouble concentrating
☐ Itching or dry skin

⚠️ Symptoms often appear in later stages — labs are key for early detection.

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Understanding Kidney Lab Tests (Plain Language)

Common Kidney Labs

• Creatinine: A waste product filtered by the kidneys
• eGFR: Estimates how well kidneys are filtering
• BUN: Another waste product that can rise as kidney function declines
• Urine protein (albumin): a blood protein, and an indicator of kidney damage

💡 Trends over time are more important than one single number.

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How to Slow CKD Progression

While CKD cannot always be reversed, progression can often be slowed.

Nutrition for Kidney Health

Diet plays a major role in protecting kidney function.

Kidney-Friendly Nutrition Tips

✔ Follow provider guidance for sodium (salt)
✔ Eat balanced meals with adequate protein (ask your healthcare provider or dietician for specific protein amount recommendations)
✔ Limit highly processed foods
✔ Stay hydrated unless fluid-restricted – ask your healthcare provider for specific recommendations
✔ Be cautious with potassium, calcium, and phosphorus if advised by your healthcare provider

⚠️ Diet needs vary by CKD stage — do not make major changes without guidance from your healthcare provider or dietician.

Medication and Lifestyle Strategies

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Control

• Keep blood pressure within goal range
• Manage diabetes carefully
• Take medications as prescribed

Medication Safety

• Avoid NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) unless approved by your healthcare provider
• Tell providers about all medications and supplements
• Ask if doses need adjustment for kidney function

Everyday Habits That Help

• Stay physically active (as tolerated and approved by your healthcare provider)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress

Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference.

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CKD Monitoring Checklist

Track and share this information with your provider:

☐ Blood pressure readings
☐ Blood sugar (if diabetic)
☐ Weight changes
☐ Swelling
☐ Urination changes
☐ Medication side effects
☐ Lab test dates and results

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CKD Action Plan

My Kidney Health Goals

• I will attend lab testing as scheduled
• I will monitor my blood pressure ___ days per week
• I will follow nutrition guidance for my CKD stage
• I will review medications with my provider
• I will report new symptoms promptly

Questions or concerns to discuss: __________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

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When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

🚨 New or worsening swelling
🚨 Sudden weight gain
🚨 Changes in urination
🚨 Increased fatigue or confusion
🚨 Shortness of breath
🚨 Side effects from medications

Seek urgent care or emergency services for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden confusion.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

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Key Takeaways

• CKD is common and often silent in early stages
• Lab monitoring is essential for early detection
• Diet, blood pressure, and blood sugar control matter
• Medication safety protects kidney function
• Small lifestyle changes can slow progression

Protecting your kidneys helps protect your heart, energy, and independence.

Learn more about CKD here:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• CDC
• National Kidney Foundation

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Chronic kidney disease and related conditions vary between individuals, and care plans should be personalized.

Always consult your physician, nurse practitioner, nephrologist, or other licensed healthcare provider regarding symptoms, lab results, diet, medications, or changes in your health. Do not delay or avoid seeking medical care based on information in this resource.

If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden confusion, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.