Are Kidney Problems Genetic?

The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste products from the blood and manage fluid levels. When they’re working, your fluid and waste levels stay balanced. However, when kidney issues arise, various health issues follow, so it’s important to know your risk.

Having a first-degree relative with kidney problems may put you at risk for kidney disease, but not always. If you’re interested in learning more about your risk, the Metro Renal Associates team can assist.

Our three experienced and compassionate nephrologists review your medical history and genetics to assess your risk of developing kidney disease.

Common kidney problems

The kidneys are like any other organ in the body – they can develop problems and disease over time. Some kidney issues are short-lived, while others affect your quality of life and are chronic.

A typical acute kidney problem is kidney stones. The condition causes small stones that form within the kidney and cause pain when they pass through the ureter and are expelled in urine. Most people deal with them for a short period until they pass.

But other, more severe kidney problems can affect you for the rest of your life. These issues include:

Living with a chronic kidney issue takes a toll on your quality of life and puts you at risk for complications. Knowing your risk and taking care of your kidneys are the best ways to avoid kidney issues.

Are kidney issues genetic?

Genetics plays a role in various conditions, including kidney problems. But just because you’re predisposed to kidney issues doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop them. For instance, having a family member with a kidney problem raises your risk, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have that same condition.

However, other forms of kidney disease are inherited, indicating a genetic component. Inherited kidney diseases are passed through families due to variations in specific genes while you develop in the womb.

Examples of inherited kidney diseases include polycystic kidney disease, primary hyperoxaluria type 1, and primary distal renal acidosis. APOL1 gene-related kidney disease is another inherited kidney disorder.

Knowing your genetic and family history helps us determine your risk of kidney disease and provide the treatments needed to prevent serious complications.

Testing to determine kidney problems

If you know you have a first-degree relative with kidney issues, we recommend genetic testing to determine if you carry specific genes that affect kidney health. Genetic testing is the best way to find out more about inherited kidney conditions.

We also recommend talking to your family to learn more about their health history. Your family’s health is a good determinant of your health in the future.

Other tests can provide more information about your kidneys, including urinalysis, blood tests, and blood pressure measurements. We look for proteinuria, blood in the urine, and other specific tests to assess kidney health.

What’s the next step?

Genetics can tell us a lot about your risk for kidney problems, but nobody has a crystal ball to see into the future. The best thing to do if you’re at risk for kidney problems is to discuss lifestyle tips and treatments with us to determine how to reduce that risk.

Living a healthy lifestyle helps to keep your kidneys healthy. Regular exercise, a healthy diet low in salt, and staying hydrated are great first steps toward healthy kidneys.

Cutting back on alcohol, not smoking, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are other tips to keep the kidneys working well. Regular exams with our team help us monitor your health and kidney function.

To learn more about genetics and kidney health, call one of our conveniently located offices in Washington, D.C., and Capitol Heights, Maryland. You can also request a consultation on the website.