Glossary of useful terms
Abdominal cavity – often called the stomach. The area between the ribs and the hips containing many organs of the body including the kidneys.
Arteries – blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart.
Cholesterol – a type of fat produced by the liver. If the ‘bad’ form of cholesterol (LDL) builds up in the arteries a blockage may occur leading to heart attack or stroke.
Dialysis – a way of treating kidney failure by duplicating the work of the kidneys using a membrane to clean the blood.
Electrolytes – minerals in your blood that carry an electric charge, help keep the body's fluid levels in balance, and help the muscles, heart, and other organs to work properly.
Hormone – a substance produced by one tissue and conveyed into the bloodstream by another to stimulate cells or tissues into action.
Nephropathy – damage to the kidneys. Diabetic nephropathy describes the condition caused by raised blood glucose levels and/or raised blood pressure.
Renal – to do with the kidneys.
Veins – blood vessels carrying blood toward the heart.