Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is usually an irreversible disease that happens over many years. When your kidneys become damaged, they can’t filter blood like they should. This causes waste to build up in your body which can lead to health problems like heart disease, poor nutritional health, stroke, anemia, nerve damage, and bone disease. The progression of CKD can often be stopped and/or slowed through medication and lifestyle changes. If left untreated, it can ultimately lead to kidney failure. The only treatment options for kidney failure are dialysis and kidney transplant.

Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States

More than 26 million Americans (or 1 in 8) have chronic kidney disease and millions more are at risk and don’t know it. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading causes of kidney failure, cause more than 60% of kidney failure cases. Diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading causes of kidney failure, cause more than 60% of kidney failure cases. Cardiovascular disease is common in people with CKD. More than 87,000 Americans die annually from causes related to kidney failure; heart disease is the major cause of death. Of the more than 105,000 Americans currently in need of organ transplants, 83,000 are waiting for a kidney. High risk groups include those with a family history of kidney disease, those over 60 years of age, and African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and American Indian and Pacific Islander. African Americans are affected at a rate more than 3 times as great as among Caucasians. CKD is a silent disease; symptoms often only appear when the disease is in an advanced stage and may or may not be treatable. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chance of slowing or stopping its progression.

Risk factors

The following risk factors can contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease:

• Age
• Family history
• Race and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and American Indians and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Hereditary factors such as polycystic kidney disease
• Abnormally elevated creatinine levels or decreasing glomerular filtration rates (GFR)
• You can reduce your risk of getting chronic kidney disease by eliminating or better managing any risk factors you already have. Eating right, staying physically fit, taking your medication, and getting regular health exams, including a creatinine-kidney disease screening, are other good ways to take control. Find out your risk for chronic kidney disease.

Warning signs

Although severe symptoms of chronic kidney disease may not appear until late in the course of the disease, there are several warning signs to be aware of:

• Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
• Poor appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Dry, itchy skin
• High blood pressure
• Blood and/or protein in the urine
• Decreasing glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is the best measure of kidney function.
• More frequent urination, especially at night; pain or difficulty urinating
• Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning; swelling of hands and feet

Kidney disease screening and diagnosis

One highly effective tool used for diagnosing kidney disease (CKD) is a creatinine screening. Your creatinine level, along with your GFR, will help your healthcare provider determine if you have CKD, and if you do, how advanced it is and the best course of treatment.

Interested in learning more about Chronic Kidney Disease and screening for Chronic Kidney Disease? Read our FAQs.