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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Jan 23, 2018
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged or cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged or cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems.

  • 30 million people or 15% of US adults are estimated to have CKD
  • 48% of those with severely reduced kidney function but not on dialysis are not aware of having CKD.
  • Most (96%) people with kidney damage or mildly reduced kidney function are not aware of having CKD.

Risk Factors for Developing CKD

Adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both have a higher risk of developing CKD than those without these diseases. Other risk factors for CKD include heart disease, obesity, and a family history of CKD. 

CKD is estimated to be more common in women than in men (16% vs 13%).
CKD is also estimated to be more common in non-Hispanic blacks than in non-Hispanic whites (18% vs 13%).
15% of Hispanics are estimated to have CKD.

Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment 

People with CKD may not feel ill or notice any symptoms. The only way to find out for sure if you have CKD is through specific blood and urine tests. These tests include measurement of both the creatinine level in the blood and protein in the urine. 

Once detected, CKD may be addressed through lifestyle changes, including making healthier choices about what you eat and drink, and can often be treated with medications. These approaches and treatments may keep CKD from getting worse and may prevent additional health problems such as heart disease. 

People with diabetes or high blood pressure who are diagnosed with CKD should talk to their doctor about treating these conditions to keep their blood sugar and blood pressure under control and lower their risk for kidney failure.

Opportunities to Prevent CKD and Lower the Risk for Kidney Failure

Control risk factors for CKD that can be modified, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels.
Test for kidney disease among people who are at high risk for developing CKD. Testing people with diabetes or with high blood pressure has been shown to be a cost-effective way of identifying people with CKD. 

Manage CKD. – Make lifestyle changes (e.g., healthy eating) to prevent more kidney damage. Use medications (e.g., drugs to lower blood pressure) to slow CKD progression. Avoid conditions or exposures that can harm the kidneys or cause a sudden drop in kidney function (called acute kidney injury) and may quicken CKD progression.

Learn about kidney disease from your Nephrologist to make sure your treatment is optimal and also to help improve outcomes!!!