Last Updated: February 21, 2025
Medically reviewed by NKF Patient Education Team
About CKD
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when the kidneys have become damaged over time (for at least 3 months) and have a hard time doing all their important jobs. CKD also increases the risk of other health problems like heart disease and stroke.
CKD Risk Factors
Anyone can develop CKD - at any age. However, some people are at a higher risk than others. The most common CKD risk factors are:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Heart disease and/or heart failure
- Obesity
- Over the age of 60
- Family history of CKD or kidney failure
- Personal history of acute kidney injury (AKI)
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of CKD. Other factors can also play a role in CKD risk. For many people, CKD is not caused by just one reason. Genetics can play a role in kidney disease risk. However, many physical, environmental, and social factors can also contribute to risk.
CKD Testing
Checking for CKD can be done with two simple tests:
- A blood test known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- A urine test known as the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR)
Both tests are needed to have a clear picture of your kidney health. Having an eGFR under 60 and/or a uACR over 30 for three months or more is a sign you may have kidney disease.
In some cases, your healthcare professional may order additional tests to get more information about your kidney health. Some examples include a kidney biopsy or medical imaging (CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI).
Preventing, Slowing or Stopping CKD
There are many ways to help prevent CKD, such as managing blood pressure and blood sugar, controlling salt intake, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, eating healthy, avoiding smoking and/or using tobacco, and managing your weight.
Early detection and treatment can help slow or stop CKD. How well your treatment can achieve this goal depends on:
- Your stage of CKD when you start treatment. The earlier you start, the more likely you are to prevent kidney failure.
- How carefully you follow your treatment plan. Learn all you can about CKD and its treatment, and make sure to follow all the steps of your treatment as best you can.
- The cause of your kidney disease. Some kidney diseases are more challenging to manage.
Most people living with CKD do not feel any symptoms in the early stages. The only way to know if you have CKD is to get tested. If you have one or more risk factors, get checked today!
Questions to Ask
- Am I at risk for chronic kidney disease?
- Ask your healthcare professional if you’re at risk for CKD. People may not feel any symptoms during earlier stages of CKD.
- Should I be tested for chronic kidney disease?
- The only way to know if you have CKD is to get tested.
- What are my eGFR and uACR numbers?
- These two tests can check for CKD.
- Do I have diabetes or prediabetes? If so, is my A1C within the recommended goal range?
- Diabetes is most common cause of CKD.
- Is my blood pressure within the recommended goal range?
- High blood pressure is the second most common cause of CKD.
- What can I do to prevent CKD or keep it from getting worse?
- Ask a healthcare professional on ways to prevent CKD and manage your health. You can also contact NKF CARES.
