Proteinuria
What is Proteinuria?
Proteinuria means there is too much protein in the urine. Protein is normally kept in the bloodstream by the kidney's filters, so when protein starts leaking into the urine, it can be a sign that the kidneys are under stress or have been damaged. Proteinuria is an important marker of kidney disease and a signal that further evaluation may be needed.
Common Symptoms
Proteinuria may not cause any symptoms, especially early on, and is often first found on urine testing. One of the first signs of proteinuria is foamy urine or swelling around the eyes, feet/ankles. Because proteinuria can be silent, routine testing is improtant in people at risk for kidney disease.
Common Causes
Proteinuria can happen for many different reasons. Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, and diseases that direct affect the kidney's filters, called the glomeruli.
Why Proteinuria Matters
Proteinuria in the urine is important because it does more than signal kidney disease - it also helps predict risk. Higher urine protein levels are strongly linked with a greater risk of chronic kidney disease progression, developing heart failure, and cardiovascular complications. In other words, proteinuria is one of the key warning signs that kidney and heart disease may worsen over time if left untreated.
How AKC Can Help
Dr. Pepin is a recognized leader in proteinuria treatment and management. Advanced Kidney Care (AKC) is redefining excellence in proteinuria treatment and uses the most advanced, evidence-based medications. We use a tailored combination of ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, MRAs and GLP1s to help reduce proteinuria.
For patients with proteinuria, it is imperative that you follow up with a nephrologist. Monitoring urine protein and kidney function over time helps guide treatment and may help slow the progression of kidney and heart disease.
