Kidney Diseases
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, often leading to kidney failure and serious cardiovascular complications if left unmanaged. CKD affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults — an estimated 35.5 million Americans — with diabetes and high blood pressure being the two most common underlying causes. Despite its scale, awareness remains critically low: approximately 90% of people with CKD are not aware they have it, as the disease typically produces no symptoms in its early stages. CKD is most prevalent among adults 65 and older (34%), and disproportionately affects non-Hispanic Black adults, roughly 20% of whom have the condition. About 815,000 Americans are living with kidney failure, with nearly 555,000 currently on dialysis. CKD is the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming more lives than breast cancer or prostate cancer. Treatment focuses on slowing progression through blood pressure and blood sugar control, dietary changes, and medications, with dialysis or kidney transplantation reserved for end-stage disease.
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Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 37 million Americans — roughly 1 in 7 adults — yet 9 out of 10 people with CKD don't know they have it. It is a slow, largely silent condition that, left unmanaged, can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, and premature death.