I am myself a kidney patient, as well as the Chief Medical Officer of Patient Care America. My original disease was type 1 diabetes, and unfortunately,
the complications led to kidney failure. I have gone through two kidney transplants from living donors. In the first case, I was very lucky to recognize
the signs, and have access to great medical care, so that I could start a transplant process before I needed to go on dialysis. Thanks to my transplants,
I have been able to go on with my career and even have a family. My personal experience has made me an even more passionate leader and advocate
for others who are going through what I endured and beyond.
Women, although not more prone to kidney disease than men, may experience different manifestations and complications. Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and pre-term birth, are more likely to affect women with kidney disease. CKD can disrupt calcium and phosphorus balance, increasing the risk of osteoporosis in women. While women with CKD may experience lower rates of heart events driven by atherosclerosis, they are still
at increased risk of heart failure compared to men with CKD.
Additionally, certain conditions that affect women more frequently can lead to kidney disease, including Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In summary, women with kidney disease face unique challenges and potential complications related to their health, reproductive health, and lifestyle.
Early detection, management of risk factors, and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for preventing and managing kidney disease in women.
We thank our guest blogger, Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, for sharing his knowledge and insights
in this important blog post!
