Can You Be Diagnosed With Chronic Kidney Disease Even If You Are Genetically Not At Risk?

According to a nephrologist, while there are a few kidney disorders that can be passed down through a gene variant, it is quite rare. "In most cases related to kidney malfunctioning, genetics cannot be considered as the prime factor," he says.

There are many diseases that run in the family and if you have a close relative or a parent suffering, know that you may also be predisposed to them. Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) one of them? According to Dr Siddharth Lakhani, consultant-nephrologist at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim -- a Fortis associate -- there are several instances wherein kidney diseases affect some families more than others, and understanding what links it to genetic factors is crucial in order to help individuals at risk.

Dr Lakhani states that lately, there has been a "drastic rise" in CKD in patients who did not have "any genetic predispositions" to this disease. "[They] visited hospitals for routine check-ups and were diagnosed with CKD that was not linked to comorbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney stones. In other words, patients from the same family were diagnosed, even though they were not genetically at risk of getting this disease," he says.

Can CKD be inherited or is it environmental?

According to the nephrologist, while there are a few kidney disorders that can be passed down through a gene variant, it is quite rare. "In most cases related to kidney malfunctioning, genetics cannot be considered as the prime factor. Environmental and social factors -- determinants of health (SDoH) -- are significant triggers that can set off the development of kidney disease, especially within the same family," he says, adding that these include lifestyle habits (eating and exercise), increased exposure to pollution, employment and income, housing, and access to healthcare.

How to prevent CKD

The doctor says one should follow certain simple measures to ensure timely diagnosis and early detection; read on.

1. Preventive health check-ups: These help individuals receive an early diagnosis of whether they suffer from any medical condition. "Even if you do not have any symptoms related to kidney disease, it is best to get tested, especially if you have a family member who has or is suffering from kidney-related disorders," says Dr Lakhani.
2. Healthy lifestyle changes: The expert says that making healthier choices can "reduce your risk of many non-communicable diseases, including CKD". Controlling your blood pressure and sugar levels, focusing on a healthy diet low in salt and fat, not smoking or drinking, and being physically active and losing weight can help.
3. Talk to family: "Suppose you or anyone in your family has an issue with kidney functioning, evaluate the rest of the family for the same condition to avoid unnecessary complications."