The kidneys filter the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones. In Switzerland, about one in ten people is affected by kidney disease. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Because kidney disease often goes unnoticed for a long time, prevention and early detection are particularly important. What factors influence kidney health—and what can help protect the kidneys in the long term?

Prof. Dr. med. Britta George
Director of the Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Zurich