THE heart has captured the public imagination. The majority are aware of how this pump works, and the signs and symptoms of heart disease. Yet other no less important parts of the body do not receive similar prominence. Awareness of what the body part does, how to keep it healthy, and most importantly what to look out for, is often limited.

The kidneys fall into this category. Typically, you are born with two kidneys, though some may only have one, and others three. Roughly the size of your fist, they are located on either side of the spine, below the rib cage. They are supplied by the renal arteries.

Like the heart, they are truly marvellous organs, working day and night, consuming 25 per cent of the body’s energy reserves.

READ MORE: Are on demand organs the future asks resident GP Dr Zak

As well as removing harmful waste products from the body, they maintain the correct amounts of salts in the blood and the appropriate volume of fluid in the body, as well as controlling blood pressure.

The kidneys produce the active form of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, needed for good bone and muscle health and they increase the production of red blood cells, stimulating the bone marrow.

In the UK, there are in excess of three million living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with an estimated million more undiagnosed.

Symptoms include swollen ankles and feet, a puffy face, pain in the area of the kidneys, blood in your urine, as well as significant fatigue. Your blood pressure may also be abnormal.

CKD is diagnosed by a blood test and urine sample.

The most common acquired causes of CKD are uncontrolled blood pressure and poorly managed diabetes.

Excess salt in the diet, too much alcohol, and the use of recreational drugs are lifestyle choices that increase the risk of CKD.

Drugs including the easily available ibuprofen can damage the kidneys if used regularly or in excess.

If unaddressed and sadly sometimes despite treatment, certain cases of CKD will progress to End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF), requiring dialysis or kidney transplant if this is an option.

Though the donation of a kidney is one of the most selfless acts of generosity a living person can do, a suitable organ is not always available. At the present time there are around 4,600 in the UK awaiting renal transplant.

To maintain good kidney health, avoid consuming more than a teaspoon of salt daily and make sure that you drink enough fluids.

Excess alcohol will directly damage the kidneys and smoking reduces the blood supply to them.

Do not ignore a urine infection.

Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week will benefit both your heart and your kidneys.