A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.

It is possible to develop kidney stones with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing kidney stones. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Specific Lifestyle Factors

  • Diet rich in meat, sodium, oxalate, and tomatoes
  • Reduced fluid intake
  • Increased fluid loss in hot weather
  • High intake of grapefruit juice
  • Dehydration
  • Long periods of inactivity
  • Being overweight
  • Fasting

Medical Conditions

Age

  • 20-40

Gender

  • Men are 4-5 times more likely to develop calcium or uric acid stones
  • Women are more likely to develop struvite stones

Genetic Factors

  • Family members who have had kidney stones or gout

Ethnic Background

  • Caucasians and Asians are more likely than African Americans, Native Americans, and people from Africa and the Middle East.

Medications

Socioeconomic Factors

  • Sedentary jobs
  • Higher socioeconomic class