Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels and filters in
the kidney, making removal of waste from the body difficult.
Kidney Health
Australia will launch a national awareness campaign to OUT
hypertension today at the Kidney Health Australia annual golf day
being held at the Kingston Heath Golf Course in Melbourne to
stress the importance of sport, lifestyle, exercise and taking time
out to relax to combat hypertension.
Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health Australia said whilst there is
no known cure for most causes of Kidney disease, once detected early
it can often be managed and treated so people can delay kidney
failure and not be forced onto dialysis.
"Our modern lifestyle and pressure of work has placed time
constraints on many people to relax, have time out for exercise and
also consider the impact of fast food diets which adds obesity
issues to the prevention and treatment of kidney disease."
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said
people can prevent hypertension - related kidney damage by
keeping blood pressure below 130/80, having your blood pressure
checked on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet and taking the
medication your doctor prescribes.
"For patients who have hypertension and kidney disease, the most
important treatment is to control blood pressure with drugs to lower
blood pressure and protect the kidneys from further damage."
The cost of treating kidney disease in Australia is rising by
$50 million a year and will jump from $700 million in 2006 to $900
million in 2010 - The Economic Impact of Kidney Disease in
Australia; report was undertaken by the George Institute of
International Health three years ago.
Fast Facts on Chronic Kidney Disease in Australia
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing public
health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness and
premature mortality. In Australia, it is a fact that:
1 in 3 adults are at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults have at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before
experiencing any symptoms
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it
Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day
11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with,
kidney failure
Kidney Health
Australia will launch a national awareness campaign to OUT
hypertension today at the Kidney Health Australia annual golf day
being held at the Kingston Heath Golf Course in Melbourne to
stress the importance of sport, lifestyle, exercise and taking time
out to relax to combat hypertension.