Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases. It causes the growth of numerous cysts that enlarge the kidneys, impacting their ability to function. Abnormal genes cause PKD, which means that the disease usually runs in families. However, in Meg’s case, she had no known family history of the disease. The symptom that Meg’s family doctor noticed was her high blood pressure, one of the hallmark signs of PKD. Other symptoms can include back or side pain, blood in the urine, urinary tract infections, and kidney stones.