The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• 26 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
• Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
• Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
• Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
• Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
• High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
• African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.

Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.