Learn About CKD

31 million adult Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 90% don’t know it.

When it comes to kidney disease, not knowing might be the riskiest thing of all. People with kidney disease are at higher risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack—even an early death. CKD even causes anemia, bone disease and malnutrition, and can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Most  people have two kidneys. Healthy kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid, help regulate the body’s water, salts and other chemicals in the blood, and remove drugs and toxins. Your kidneys also release hormones to help  regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells and promote strong bones. People with CKD have kidney damage or a decrease in kidney function and often develop  complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, malnutrition and nerve damage.

People at increased risk for CKD include those with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a family history of kidney disease, as well as people over the age of 60. Certain ethnic groups such as African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are also at increased risk.