According to Doctor Nguyen Quang Huy, from the Nephrology and Dialysis Unit at Tam Anh Cau Giay Polyclinic, chronic kidney disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals. Beyond primary kidney conditions, common risk factors in young people, such as high blood pressure, metabolic disorders, and obesity, can insidiously damage renal glomeruli and blood vessels over time. These factors often persist for many years with few noticeable symptoms. Early identification of risks enables timely detection and intervention, slowing the decline in kidney function.

High blood pressure

Young adults with high blood pressure are among those with a higher-than-normal risk of chronic kidney disease. Persistently elevated blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels within the kidneys, leading to a gradual decline in their filtering function.

Kidney damage often progresses silently over many years and can be overlooked if patients only focus on blood pressure control without regular kidney function monitoring. High blood pressure can harm the kidneys, and conversely, declining kidney function makes blood pressure management more challenging.

Doctor Huy advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Huy advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Obesity and sedentary lifestyle

Young adults who are overweight, obese, or maintain a sedentary lifestyle also face a higher risk of kidney failure compared to those with a healthy weight. Beyond increasing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, obesity can directly strain the kidney's filtering system.

Doctor Huy noted that habits such as consuming many processed foods, excessive salt, sugary drinks, frequent late nights, and insufficient physical activity are increasingly common among young people. These factors can elevate the risk of kidney disease and related metabolic conditions.

Family history of kidney disease

Individuals with parents or siblings suffering from kidney disease should be particularly aware of their own risk. Some kidney conditions are linked to genetic factors or appear at a higher rate within the same family.

According to Doctor Huy, even without symptoms, this group should undergo regular kidney function checks. Early detection of abnormalities can enable timely monitoring and treatment before the disease progresses severely.

History of acute kidney failure

Young adults with a history of acute kidney failure also fall into a higher-risk group for developing chronic kidney disease later in life. This condition can occur following severe infections, prolonged dehydration, or the use of certain kidney-affecting medications. Even after recovery, some individuals may experience a continued decline in kidney function over time if not regularly monitored.

Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently over extended periods, with many cases only discovered after significant kidney function decline. Doctor Huy advises young adults in these at-risk groups to proactively undergo regular kidney function checks for early detection of abnormalities and long-term kidney health preservation.

Thu Giang