If your kidneys can't filter wastes from your blood normally, the BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level increases. If the level gets too high, you can become sick. Because of this, you need to control the amount of protein you eat each day. Use this handout to help you.

Choosing the right type and amount of proteins you eat is important when you have chronic kidney disease. It can affect your overall health and kidney function.

If you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood. Excess phosphorus in the body tends to bind with calcium and gets deposited in blood vessels and other organs. This can lead to renal bone disease.

Calcium and phosphorus are minerals found in many foods. Your body works best when these minerals are in balance. But if you have kidney disease, phosphorus may build up in your blood. This can make your bones weak over time. This sheet will help you maintain balance.

By controlling the amount of potassium you eat, you can keep a safe level in your blood. Here are cooking tips and a list of hidden sources of potassium.

The body needs some potassium to keep the heart working normally. But if your kidneys don't work well, potassium can build up in your blood. It can be serious and even deadly if the levels go up too high. By controlling the amount of potassium you eat, you can keep a safe level in your blood.

When the carotid arteries are healthy, the brain gets all the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function well. If the carotid arteries are damaged, however, it can greatly increase your chances of stroke.

During heart valve surgery, one or more valves are repaired or replaced. Repair means that the valve is mended to help it work better. Replacement means your diseased valve is removed and a new valve is inserted in its place.

Your healthcare provider will teach you how to care for your catheter and exit site. Good care is important to prevent infection. If an infection occurs, the catheter may have to be taken out. A new one will have to be put in at a later date.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that can take over when your kidneys stop working. The peritoneum is the membrane lining the inside of the belly (abdomen). PD uses the lining of your abdomen as a filter for your blood. Before PD can be done, an opening into this lining (an access) must be made. The access for PD is a soft tube called a catheter placed into your abdomen.