Nephrology (Hypertension)
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Kidneys also play an important role in controlling blood pressure, keeping bones healthy, and creating red blood cells.
Nephrology is a division of internal medicine that specializes in kidney function and related diseases. Nephrologists, or kidney specialists, also focus on hypertension or high blood pressure, which is a main cause of kidney-related illnesses.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 1 in 3 Americans are at risk for kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S., but kidney disease can be prevented or managed through simple lifestyle changes.
Common Symptoms
Acid in urine
Dizzy spells
Dull headaches
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Kidney stones
Nosebleeds
Proteinuria (protein in urine)
Recurrent kidney stones
Urinary infections
Common Conditions
Chronic kidney disease
Cystic diseases of the kidneys
Diabetes associated kidney diseases
Electrolyte disorders
Family history of chronic kidney disease
Glomerular diseases (inflammation of the kidneys)
HIV-related illnesses
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Lupus
Over 50 years of age
Rare and genetic kidney diseases
Recurrent kidney stones
Renal failure
Short-term kidney failure
Chronic kidney disease
Cystic diseases of the kidneys
Diabetes associated kidney diseases
Electrolyte disorders
Family history of chronic kidney disease
Glomerular diseases (inflammation of the kidneys)
HIV-related illnesses
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Lupus
Over 50 years of age
Rare and genetic kidney diseases
Recurrent kidney stones
Renal failure
Short-term kidney failure
Treatment
If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can develop into end stage renal disease or full kidney failure, which requires:
Chronic kidney diseases
Cook County Health’s Nephrology physicians provide comprehensive care within the hospitals, outpatient clinics and the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County Dialysis Unit.
Inpatient Care
Patients in the emergency, intensive care units (ICU) and other general medical areas receive treatment for acute or short-term conditions, including:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Electrolyte disorders
- Hematuria or related disorders
- Hypertension
- Malignant hypertension
- Proteinuria
- Suspected secondary hypertension
General Nephrology Clinic
Patients visiting the General Nephrology Clinic receive care for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acid-base and serum electrolyte disorders
- Acute or chronic glomerular diseases
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cystic diseases of the kidneys
- Hypertensions
- Kidney stones
- Rare and genetic kidney diseases
For patients with End State Renal Disease (ESRD) or other conditions requiring dialysis, the Dialysis Unit at Stroger Hospital provides both hemodialysis or peritoneal hemodialysis to hospitalized patients in a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
Our dialysis unit is located on the east wing of the second floor of the main hospital. We have eight dialysis stations including an isolation station for providing dialysis treatments to patients. Our unit also serves as a transition unit for patients who are initiated on hemodialysis and waiting for placement at other dialysis units.
We have a dedicated multidisciplinary team that works tirelessly to enhance care for our patients.
Outpatient Renal Clinics
We provide comprehensive wide spectrum diagnostic and therapeutic services to the patients with known or suspected kidney diseases across the Cook County Health system.
Our subspecialty renal clinics specialize in treating patients with:
- Diabetes associated kidney diseases
- HIV
- Lupus
- Recurrent kidney stones
Dialysis
High blood pressure
- Do not smoke
- Eat less fat and more whole grains, fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol use
Kidney transplant
Preventing Chronic Kidney Diseases
The best way to prevent chronic kidney disease is to take good care of your body and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Below are a few easy ways to maintain good care of your health:
- Exercise
- Limit foods with high sodium or fat content
- Not smoking
- Take medications as prescribed
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP) affects one-third of all Americans.
Causes of HBP can vary; however, many are linked to diet, exercise and stress. If high blood pressure is untreated, it can lead to serious heart conditions, like heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure is also a main cause of kidney diseases. A simple test can detect high blood pressure, which is why it’s important to visit your doctor regularly.
Why Choose Cook County Health for Nephrology (Hypertension)?
- Expert Care Team: Our specialists are highly experienced in treating all aspects of hypertension.
- Integrated Care: We coordinate with other departments to address any complications and ensure comprehensive care.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
To learn more about our hypertension services or to schedule a consultation, please contact Cook County Health. We are committed to helping you manage your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
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High quality care with a large network of health care centers in Cook County
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