After speaking with a nephrologist, I was made aware that NO MATTER WHAT, the kidney function declines by 1% a year; so the challenge is to minimize any other reductions by diet, excercise and controlling blood pressure.
Agreed or did I miss something?
Well, I am 80, so, according to that theory, my kidney function should be 20%. My last blood work showed 48%. Also, with the number of people reaching 100+ years, they should all be on dialysis, or have a new kidney? I don't think so! I think a new nephrologist is needed.
Hi. Actually, the decline starts around the age of 40. So, using the 1% figure doctors quote, now that you are 80, you would average a 40% decline from where your kidney function was at 40 (1% per year) . For example, if your kidney function at 40 was 100% (doubtful), your current kidney function if declining normally and not from any illness, would be at 60%. You report you are at 48%. Seems about right if you consider that even at age of 40 you probably were not 100% (remember 60 or above is considered normal at that age). I'd say you are doing fine.
You are correct. The 1% per year decline (on average) does NOT start at birth, lol. It starts around the age of 40. To stop or reduce or slow any other reasons for decline can be helped of course by controlling blood pressure, making sure your diet does not include excess things like potassium, phosphorous, on and on. I have one doctor who jokingly (but a bit on the serious side) always says to me (I am almost 73 years old) go look in the mirror. Now find a photo of yourself at 40. Hold it up and see all the changes in your appearance. What we all refer to as aging. Then he says, now what do you imagine is going on inside the body? Do you think that 73 year old kidney looks or functions the same as that 40 year old? Or any other organ in your body. His message is don't worry so much about averages of decline, things are getting worse, etc., etc. Pretty much what will be, will be. Just use common sense, get some exercise daily, eat appropriately and nature will take its course.
EGFR
Low eGFR/High creatinine
Confusing eGFR calculation
