Should Men Have Special Concerns About Kidney Health

Kidney Health Concerns for Men

According to the National Kidney Foundation, women are more likely to develop kidney disease than men, but men are at a higher risk of having kidney issues that progress to kidney failure. Here’s what you should know about some of the key factors related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in men:
Race

In general, African Americans have a higher risk of developing CKD than other groups. It is also important to note that studies show that men who are living with CKD have a great challenge keeping their blood pressure levels stable, which can lead to other health complications.

Low Birth-Weight

Studies have shown that men who were born with low birth-weight are considerably more at risk of developing CKD. Researchers found that men who weighed less than 5.5 lbs at birth were 65% more likely to have CKD than those who were born at an average weight.

Low Testosterone Levels

Men who have a high body mass index (BMI) and diabetes are vulnerable to low testosterone levels. According to research, men who are in stages 3 or 4 CKD with low testosterone have an increased risk of death.

Other Kidney Concerns

In addition to CKD, men should be aware of the risk factors associated with these other kidney diseases:

• Kidney stones
• Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women. Men may be more at risk of kidney stones if they have the following existing health problems:
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obese/overweight
• Kidney Cancer
• The American Cancer Society reports that men have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer than women.

When it comes to kidney health, be sure to visit your primary care doctor regularly. Following your physician’s advice can help you live a healthy, safe, and active lifestyle.