Who should pay special attention?

Some people shouldn’t wait until they notice foam in their urine to take action. The risk is higher if you:

Have high blood pressure

Have diabetes

Have a history of kidney disease

Have had autoimmune diseases

Frequently use anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac)

Have obesity or metabolic syndrome

In these cases, protein loss can begin long before any visible symptoms appear.

The relationship between high blood pressure and kidney damage

High blood pressure puts constant pressure on the kidneys. This increased pressure impacts the delicate renal filtration system day after day. At first, the kidneys resist. Over time, this sustained pressure deforms the internal filters, known as glomeruli.

When the glomerulus is damaged, it loses its ability to filter properly. It becomes more permeable and allows proteins to leak out, which not only indicates damage but also accelerates its progression. This creates a vicious cycle: more damage, more protein loss, and further kidney deterioration.

How to Detect the Problem Early

Proteinuria can be detected before the damage becomes severe. Simple and accessible tests allow for its early identification, such as:

Urinalysis

Albumin/creatinine ratio

Quantification of protein in urine

Kidney function test

Microalbuminuria is an early sign, comparable to smoke before a fire. It’s the ideal time to intervene and stop the damage from progressing.