Why Are Teachers More at Risk for Renal Failure?

Your kidneys provide essential support services for your whole-body health and wellness. If you’re one of the 1 in 3 adults in the United States with a risk of getting kidney disease, you could face critical problems with eliminating bodily wastes and filtering your blood effectively.

So, do you know if you could be at higher risk of kidney disease? Teachers, like others in high-pressure professions that often skew toward the older end of the spectrum, are some of the groups at higher risk of kidney problems.

At the Vascular Institute of New York in New York City, board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeon Enrico Ascher, MD, provides cutting-edge treatments for renal failure, including vascular dialysis access. Still, it’s better to prevent kidney problems than it is to have to deal with treatment concerns. Here’s what you should know about your potential risk factors for kidney disease.

Who is at risk for kidney disease?

Some of the most common at-risk groups for kidney disease and eventual renal failure include:

• People with diabetes, the single most common predictor of future kidney failure
• Patients with high blood pressure concerns, the second most common risk factor for future kidney problems
• Anyone over the age of 60, due to natural diminishing of kidney health and function
• People with a family history of kidney disease
• Members of US minority groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans

Autoimmune diseases can also increase your risks of kidney problems. Autoimmune disorders like lupus are more likely to affect women than men.

Protecting yourself from renal failure

Having a higher risk of kidney disease doesn’t mean that you’ll eventually experience renal failure. However, when it comes to your kidneys, your best bet is to stay prepared. If you have kidney disease or renal failure, you’re likely to need ongoing or critical care.

The best way to prevent renal failure is to stay aware of your risk level, and get tested for kidney problems as needed. Dr. Ascher can advise you on your personal risk factors and recommend the best plan to protect your kidney health for years to come.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, protecting kidney health is especially important for essential workers like our teachers. According to the US CDC, teachers face an increased risk of potential coronavirus infection. COVID-19 shows the ability to cause lasting renal damage, so getting started with preventative screenings has increased importance this winter.

If you suspect that you could be at risk of kidney disease, talk to Dr. Ascher about your concerns right away. You can book an initial consultation with Dr. Ascher at our Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York office today over the phone, or use the online tool to request your appointment now.