Patient Education

Kidney Failure

The health of the kidneys is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).  This is a measurement of how many milli-litres (mL) of filtered fluid flow through the kidneys per minute (min).  The GFR of healthy kidneys is above 90mL/min.

Your Lifeline: Your Vascular Access

In order to facilitate haemodialysis, a vascular access is inserted into the body through a minor surgery—a fistula, graft, or catheter.  Also known as “lifeline,” one of these accesses will be used to insert needles and connect kidney failure patients to dialysis machines.  Feel free to consult with your doctor about the type of access that is best suited for you.

Connection Between Anaemia and Kidney Disease

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.  Anaemia is a condition that results when the level of haemoglobin or haematocrit is below normal.  This condition may be temporary, a consequence of other health conditions, or due to a chronic disease.  People with mild anaemia may experience mild to no symptoms at all. On the other hand, those with chronic anaemia may experience fatigue and shortness of breath, causing them difficulties in carrying out their day-to-day activities.

Getting Adequate Dialysis

Healthy kidneys work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, doing some of the most important tasks in the body. When kidneys stop working efficiently, dialysis is carried out to mimic the organ’s roles. Adequate dialysis means enough treatment to help you live long and well even with kidney disease.

Heart Health and Blood Pressure

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease means having problems with your heart and the blood vessels throughout your body, including brain, lungs and legs. Heart and blood vessel disease is common in people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Over time, the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart and brain can become blocked from a build-up of cells, fat and cholesterol. This reduces blood flow to the heart and brain and can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes and Dialysis

Diabetes mellitus, usually called diabetes, is a disease in which your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use normal amounts of insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in your blood. A high blood sugar level can cause problems in many parts of your body.