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 that Increase Chances of Forming Stones
  • 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
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