Over 800 Million People Have Chronic Kidney Disease but Many Don’t Know It

Chronic kidney disease affects over 800 million people and can lead to kidney failure. Here are the symptoms, causes, and stages to protect your kidney health.

By Sean Mowbray
Oct 16, 2024 1:00 PM
Chronic Kidney Disease
(Credit: crystal light/Shutterstock)

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Globally, it is estimated that around 10 percent of the world’s population has chronic kidney disease, or over 800 million people. Unfortunately, it is one of the leading causes of death. Many people may have the disease without realizing it so it is important to understand the disease, its progression, and risk factors.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

(Credit: superbeststock/Shutterstock)

Put simply, chronic kidney disease is when the kidneys have suffered damage over a sustained period of time and don’t work properly. When healthy, our bodies two bean-shaped kidneys play a vital role in removing waste products from the body and maintaining a normal blood pressure, amongst more.

If damaged over time – usually assessed as three months or more – the kidneys may not be able to carry out these tasks which can lead to other health complications and ultimately, in some cases, kidney failure.

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