The Role of Nephrology in Hypertension and Kidney Health
A nephrologist, or kidney specialist, helps most with high blood pressure when it stays high despite several medicines, when blood or urine tests show kidney changes, or when a kidney-related cause is suspected. They look for the reason behind the numbers, choose treatment that also protects your kidneys, and work alongside your primary care clinician […]
Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment Options in Minnesota Explained
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has no cure yet, but treatment can slow kidney damage and ease its complications. The main options are careful blood pressure control, a medicine called tolvaptan for some adults whose disease is getting worse quickly, care for pain and infections, and dialysis or a kidney transplant if the kidneys fail. Key […]
Kidney Care vs. General Care: Why Nephrology Makes a Difference
It’s easy to think that your primary care provider can handle everything related to your health. And for many things, that’s true. But when it comes to kidney health, there are times when specialized care really does make all the difference. In Minnesota, patients often ask: “Why should I see a nephrologist if I already […]
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: Tips from Nephrology Experts
Managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) day to day comes down to a few steady habits: knowing your kidney numbers, keeping blood pressure and blood sugar near your goals, using medicines and supplements carefully, eating with guidance, staying active and not smoking. These steps can help protect your kidneys from more damage and may also help […]
Dehydration & Its Impact on Kidney Health
Summer’s heat brings a heightened risk of dehydration, but it’s not always as obvious as just feeling thirsty. In a recent conversation with Jen Mears, NP at ANC, we discussed the less apparent signs and dangers of dehydration. Here’s what you need to know! Early Signs of Dehydration “Dehydration often shows up before you […]
Understanding the Basics of the RAS System
As Blood Pressure Awareness Month continues, we thought it important to educate on one of the body’s key players in regulating blood pressure and supporting kidney health. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is often referred to as the “brain of the kidney” when it comes to balancing blood pressure, sodium, and fluid levels in your body. […]
How Blood Pressure Impacts Kidney Health
May is National Blood Pressure Awareness Month – a timely reminder that keeping tabs on your blood pressure isn’t just a heart health concern, but a kidney concern too! To help us better understand this critical connection, Dr. Yang shares practical tips for managing blood pressure, especially for those living with or at risk for […]
Your Guide to Different Types of Kidney Disease
Did you know that each year, millions of people battle kidney disease? The National Kidney Foundation estimates that roughly 10% of the global population is affected by CKD in some capacity. In forwarding the dialogue around kidney health education, we collaborated with ANC’s Dr. Alec Otteman to break down different types of kidney disease and […]
Demystifying Dialysis: A Deep Dive on Peritoneal Dialysis
Throughout February the ANC team is helping patients “demystify dialysis”. This week, we sat down with ANC’s NP, Amy Sibley to overview PD dialysis access and how patients are equipped with the tools and resources to succeed! Training and Preparation Difference For Home Peritoneal Dialysis (PD), patients typically begin by getting a referral for […]
Understanding Dialysis: A Comprehensive Guide from ANC
Dialysis does part of the work of failed kidneys: it removes waste, extra salt and extra water from your blood and helps keep your minerals and blood pressure in a safer range. The two main types are hemodialysis, done at a dialysis center or at home, and peritoneal dialysis, done at home. It is not […]