top of page

Our Services

We provide a wide range of medical services related to kidney disease and hypertension, including but not limited to the following. Please contact us for any kidney- or hypertension-related need you might have.

 

Nephrology
 

- Acute kidney failure

- Chronic kidney failure

- Critical care nephrology

- Diabetic nephropathy

- Glomerular disease 

- Interstitial disease

- Kidney stones

- Polycystic kidney disease

- Electrolyte disorders

​Hypertension Management

- Evaluation and treatment of  mild and severe forms of hypertension (high blood pressure)

Dialysis Management
 

- In center hemodialysis treatments

- Home hemodialysis training and support

- Peritoneal dialysis training and support

- Continuos Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)  in the intensive care setting

 

Kidney Transplantation Care

- Pre-transplant care and coordination of timing of transplant with a transplant center

- Longterm post transplant care 

Education

KIDNEY EDUCATION
HYPERTENSION EDUCATION

What do your kidneys do?

 

Healthy kidneys work to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This is then removed from the body in the urine. Kidneys regulate your body water and other items such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. They also remove drugs and toxins, release hormones to help regulate your blood pressure, help make red blood cells, and promote strong bones.

 

Anemia Management

 

A common problem in people with chronic kidney disease is anemia. Anemia is a condition that happens when your blood is lacking in healthy red blood cells. It is often caused by a decrease in the amount of erythropoietin produced by the kidneys which is needed in order to produce healthy red blood cells. The treatment of anemia is based on the type of anemia you have. Your doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements, changes in your diet, and/or medications.

 

Chronic Kidney Disease

 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual, progressive condition where the kidneys suffer damage over time and lose their ability to properly filter the blood. Approximately 26 million adults in the U.S. have CKD and millions more are at risk. In the early stages, you may not know your kidneys are not working optimally because they have a remarkable ability to compensate. High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and family history of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment to manage CKD can slow the progression of the disease and prevent kidney failure so it is critical to be tested routinely if you are in a high risk group.

 

Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

 

There are 5 stages during the disease progression of CKD.

  • Kidneys function normally but there is proteinuria (protein in the urine) present. This is an indication of future inhibited kidney function.

  • Kidney function is greater than 60%. Proteinuria may or may not be present.

  • Kidney function is at 30-59%.

  • Kidney function is at 15-29%.

  • Kidney function is below 15% and the patient may require dialysis at any time based upon certain symptoms. This requires very close supervision since this stage is a very critical time. Dialysis is typically recommended.

 

What is Hypertension?

 

Hypertension is a term used to describe high blood pressure, a chronic medical condition. High blood pressure can quietly damage your kidneys for years and lead to chronic kidney disease. Though many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, it can cause very serious health problems if left untreated. Some conditions associated with high blood pressure include:

 

  • Strokes

  • Heart attacks

  • Kidney damage and disease

  • Eye damage

 

If you are at risk for high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you have high blood pressure, it is important to be seen regularly so that it may be controlled. 

 

Am I at risk?

 

About one third of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Some risk factors include age, race (African Americans have a higher incidence of hypertension than other ethnic groups), family history, or being overweight. Diets high in sodium or low in potassium or vitamin D can contribute to hypertension. Low amounts of physical activity, using tobacco or drinking alcohol excessively are also risk factors. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are more likely to have high blood pressure as well.

 

 

Further Information

Following are websites you might want to visit to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hypertension and kidney center of st. louis
bottom of page