Published: September 26, 2018

Protect your kidneys, Save your heart

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of adults in the United States – more than 20 million people may have CKD, of varying levels of seriousness. Your chances of having CKD increase with age; it increases after the age of 50 and a staggering one in two have CKD over the age of 75. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In 2016, diabetes and hypertension were both listed as the primary cause for 7 of 10 new cases of renal disease in the United States. Premature death from cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes are higher in adults with CKD than in adults without CKD. In fact, most individuals with CKD are undiagnosed and are 16 to 40 times more likely to die than to reach end stage renal disease. Treatment can slow down how quickly the disease progresses, minimizing complications and may prevent or delay CKD and renal disease. If you have diabetes or hypertension, keep your kidneys in mind.