Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Key Information

• The Cleaning Team: Your kidneys act as your body's essential cleaning and balancing team. They filter your blood to remove waste and excess fluid, turn it into urine, and help control your blood pressure.
• A 'Silent' Condition: CKD rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. It is usually detected during routine blood or urine tests carried out for other reasons (like diabetes or blood pressure checks).
• What 'Chronic' Means: The word "chronic" does not mean the condition is severe; it simply means it has developed over a long period. It indicates that your kidneys are working less efficiently than they used to.
• Reassurance: For the vast majority of patients, a diagnosis of CKD does not mean your kidneys will fail. Our primary goal is to protect the function you have and prevent further decline.

What Happens Next?

The most important step in managing CKD is regular monitoring. We will invite you for a review at least once a year to check your kidney function via blood and urine tests. Attending these appointments is the best way to protect your long-term health.

If you have concerns you would like to discuss, please click the link below.

Further Information

For a deeper understanding of CKD, causes, and how to keep your kidneys healthy, please visit the NHS website:

Last reviewed: 22 December 2025
Next review due: 22 December 2028