Media Release 25 May 2009

One in Three Australians at Risk of Kidney Disease
Kidney Health Week 24-30 May 2009

With one in three Australians at increased risk of kidney disease the need for people to keep their blood pressure down to reduce the risk of damaging their kidneys is a major issue in the battle against Chronic Kidney Disease in Australia.

Kidney Health Week will be officially launched in Canberra tomorrow by the Governor General Quentin Bryce, Patron in Chief of Kidney Health Australia.

Anne Wilson, Chief Executive of Kidney Health Australia said high blood pressure affects 1 in 4 Australians and recent research has revealed that 50% of patients do not have blood pressure managed to the target levels.

"Keep the Pressure Down' is the message for the community as a way of preventing and delaying damage to their kidneys.

"High blood pressure can independently cause Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), contribute to its development or even be the result of CKD. Studies show that as kidney function worsens the likelihood that a patient will have high blood pressure increases. The treatment of high blood pressure has become the most important intervention in the management of all forms of chronic kidney disease.

"Research has also shown that 80% of patients with failed kidneys had high blood pressure which is a major contributor to Chronic Kidney Disease with CKD being responsible for 12% of all hospital admissions in 2007."

Ms Wilson said Chronic Kidney Disease is known as 'the Silent Killer' because people can lose up to 90% of the use of their kidneys and two million Australians could have the disease without even knowing it.

"Chronic Kidney Disease is a major national public health issue that requires a coordinated health policy approach at all levels of Government, especially with Australia's ageing population.

"At present the number of patients who are being placed on dialysis has averaged a growth rate of 6% over the past decade with 9,642 people on dialysis at the end of 2007. The average waiting time for a kidney transplant is five years. On average one person a week dies whilst waiting for a transplant."

Ms Wilson said Chronic Kidney Disease if detected at an early stage is treatable and patients may never have to undertake the extreme treatment of going on to dialysis three times a week when their kidneys fail.

Kidney Health Australia encourages everyone to look after their health and reduce the risks of developing the disease by:
* Having an annual kidney health check - your GP can do this
* Maintaining a healthy weight and reducing cholesterol levels
* Exercising regularly
* Eating a healthy and well balanced diet
* Drinking water
* Not smoking
* Limiting alcohol
* Maintaining good blood glucose levels if you have diabetes

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Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson Chief Executive Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391
Ron Smith, National Communications Manager, Kidney Health Australia

Mobile: 0417 329 201