Anemia

If there are not a sufficient number of red blood cells in your body, you may be diagnosed with anemia. This is a common condition for those who also have Chronic Kidney Disease. Anemia is  common in CKD patients because your kidneys send signals to your body to produce red blood cells from a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO). This hormone will be lacking in those with kidney disease, thus causing an insufficient amount of red blood cells to be produced.  Red blood cells are an important piece of your blood as they carry oxygen through the bloodstream which help bones, muscles and organs to perform properly. Your nephrologist can help determine if you have anemia and will work directly with your primary care team to determine the best care plan for you.