What are red flags in chronic kidney disease?

There are 3 red flags for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

1. If you are unwell

With symptoms or complications of advanced CKD including a danger sign:

Shortness of breath – due to fluid overload causing pulmonary oedema (water in lungs)

2. Blood tests

High blood potassium – persistently > 6 mmol/L
If you have reached Stage 5 CKD (i.e. have a GFR of <15 ml/min) – or a creatinine > 500 mcmol/L – whatever the symptoms
Note. This is a general rule only. There are different levels for different people based on age, gender, ethnicity, and muscle mass

3. Other factors

That need to be taken into account are:

Too much acid in the blood – shown by a blood bicarbonate of < 15 mmol/L
Unable to control BP – with levels above 180/100
Other non-specific symptoms – e.g. not eating, sleeping etc.

Note. If one (or more) of these red flags occur, you should see a nephrologist (kidney specialist doctor) soon – as you may need dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.

Summary

We have described what are red flags in chronic kidney disease. All three can be a serious issue and you need to be assessed by a nephrologist soon. We hope it has been helpful.

Other resource

When should I worry about CKD?

Last Reviewed on 5 April 2024