CKD in General Public

What is CKD?

• CKD is the occurrence of persistent protein in the urine (proteinuria),

What Causes CKD?

• Diabetes and Hypertension are the two main causes of CKD.
• Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.

Statistical Facts

• 26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
• 75% of CKD is caused by diabetes and high blood pressure.
• 350,000 Americans are on dialysis, and over 70,000 individuals are waiting for a kidney transplant.

• Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.

CKD in Blacks/African Americans

Chronic kidney disease is more common in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians. These various racial and ethnics groups have a greater development of CKD because diabetes, the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, is more common in these groups. Also, high blood pressure, the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease, appears more often in African Americans than in other ethnic groups. Many experts believe these groups may have an inherited tendency to develop these diseases. When combined with other things, such as being overweight, this tendency may lead to the disease.  To help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, achieving and staying at a normal weight and getting enough routine physical activity is essential.

CKD Risk Factors

Risk factors are situations that increase your chances of getting a disease or condition. The risk for developing CKD increases with the number of risk factors one may have. People at risk for CKD include those individuals with:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Family history of kidney disease
• People of color (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native American because they have a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Seniors—the older you are the greater your risk

Other conditions that increase one’s risk include:

• Blockages (urinary track system, blood clots or plaques of cholesterol that block the kidney vessels, repeated kidney stones)
• Drug use (heroin or cocaine)
• Inflammation
• Existence of certain disease (lupus, AIDS, cancer, sickle cell and or congestive heart failure)
• Premature baby