Health. Kidney disease: why is screening essential even without symptoms?

The kidneys are discreet, but essential. By filtering nearly 180 liters of blood each day, they eliminate waste. If they malfunction, chronic kidney disease, which is a progressive decline in kidney function, can occur.

"We often hear that chronic kidney disease is silent. I completely disagree," insists Professor Sautenet. "We now have data showing us that patients suffering from this condition exhibit many warning signs."

What are the symptoms? “Fatigue, muscle pain, numbness in the extremities, difficulty breathing, itching, cramps… These are all signs that should lead you to consult your doctor.”

Certain people are particularly at risk: those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, those over 60, or those with a family history of the condition. "Even without symptoms, these groups should benefit from annual screening," the specialist reminds us.

Because without treatment, the disease can progress to end-stage renal failure. But above all, it increases cardiovascular risks: heart attack, stroke, and premature death.

Screening, a key lever for early action

“Screening for chronic kidney disease is disconcertingly simple, yet it is still too rarely offered, particularly in community care,” warns Professor Bénédicte Sautenet.

"It's based on two complementary tests: a blood test and a urine sample. Nothing more. These two tests must absolutely be performed together. Too often, the urinary part is forgotten, which makes the screening incomplete," insists the nephrologist. The goal? To identify the disease at an early stage, well before it progresses to severe kidney failure or cardiovascular complications. "The earlier we detect it, the more effectively we can act: adapt lifestyle, introduce appropriate treatments, and slow the progression of the disease," she explains.

Yet, this screening remains marginal, even among those at risk. "The role of the treating physician is fundamental. They are the ones who can spot warning signs, prescribe the right tests, and initiate early treatment."

According to an OpinionWay survey for Boehringer Ingenheim, more than half of French people are unaware of chronic kidney disease, and the link with the heart remains largely unknown. Why?

"It's possible that this lack of knowledge is linked to the fact that we had few therapeutic options until recently. Today, that's no longer the case," explains the specialist. "The tools exist: effective drug treatments, therapeutic education, personalized support. Patients still need to be screened early and informed."

Thinking about health in networks: heart, kidney, metabolism

Why is it essential to think about health in an interconnected way? For Professor Bénédicte Sautenet, the answer is simple: the kidneys are not a separate organ, they are at the heart of a system.

“The kidneys filter the blood, remove waste from the body, balance everything related to water in the body, and regulate blood pressure. Often, we associate blood pressure solely with the heart. But first and foremost, it is the kidney that regulates blood pressure. When it functions less well, there is more waste in the body, the hormones that control blood pressure are poorly regulated, and water accumulates.”

The result: the system goes into overdrive. "All of this causes problems in the blood vessels and the heart. The kidney is therefore directly involved in cardiovascular diseases. Heart, blood vessels, kidney: everything works together. If we only think in isolation, we miss part of the equation."

A clear message: prevent, listen, act

In conclusion, Professor Sautenet sends a clear message to the general public: "We must not wait for symptoms. If we are in a potentially risky situation, we must get tested. By protecting our kidneys, we also protect our blood vessels and our future."