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Kidney Education Center

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Learn what CKD is, how common it is, and why early detection is important.

Most people are born with two kidneys, each containing about one million tiny filtering units called nephrons. When nephrons are damaged, they stop working properly.

This places extra strain on the remaining healthy nephrons. Over time, if damage continues, the kidneys can no longer maintain normal function.

This gradual loss of kidney function over months or years is known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

CKD is extremely common. Around 1 in 10 adults worldwide has some degree of kidney damage.

Every year, millions of people die prematurely due to complications related to chronic kidney disease.

  • CKD is often a silent disease with no early symptoms.
  • It usually progresses over time if untreated.
  • CKD can lead to kidney failure, a life-threatening condition.
  • It is among the top causes of death worldwide.
  • CKD greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
  • It is more common in people with diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • CKD affects women more frequently than men.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden but often reversible loss of kidney function

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a rapid loss of kidney function that occurs over a few hours or days. This sudden decline may result from reduced blood flow to the kidneys, exposure to toxins, infections, or blockage of urine flow.

With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, kidney function can often recover almost completely.

Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

The heart and kidneys are closely connected organs. People with CKD have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the heart and blood vessels. Common types include Atherosclerosis (buildup of fats), Thrombosis (blood clots), and Heart Attack.

Kidney disease disrupts blood circulation, straining the heart. People with CKD are at higher risk of heart attack and stroke at a younger age.

Regular check-ups, controlling blood pressure (<140/90), managing glucose, and healthy lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, no smoking) significantly reduce risk.

Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Understanding the Connection

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, known as diabetic nephropathy.

Protecting Your Kidneys
  • Maintain target blood glucose levels
  • Keep blood pressure under control
  • Follow a low-salt, healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly

Kidney Disease and Hypertension

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is high blood pressure. It is typically defined as 140/90 mmHg or higher.

The Link

High blood pressure damages kidney vessels. 90% of people with CKD stages 3–5 also have hypertension.

Prevention

Manage blood pressure via DASH diet, exercise, weight management, and medication.

Challenges of Kidney Disease in Women

Nearly 195 million women live with CKD. It is the 8th leading cause of death in women.

Infections & Anatomy

Women are more prone to UTIs and kidney infections.

Pregnancy

CKD affects fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Access

Women face barriers to dialysis and transplantation.

Kidney Disease and Obesity

Being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and CKD. By 2025, obesity is expected to affect 18% of men and 21% of women.

Organ Donation Awareness

Organ donation occurs when a person consents to have their organs removed for transplantation. Donations can come from living donors or deceased donors.

Living Donors

Healthy individuals who voluntarily donate a kidney or liver lobe. They undergo rigorous health assessments.

Deceased Donors

Individuals who have passed away and expressed a wish to donate. One deceased donor can save up to 8 lives.

How are Donors and Patients Matched?

Factors include Blood Type compatibility, HLA proteins, and Cross-Matching antigens. Living donations often come from family members due to biological likelihood, but altruistic donation is rising.

Dialysis

Dialysis replaces the blood cleaning functions of the kidneys when they no longer work.

Hemodialysis (HD)

Blood is pumped through a machine to remove waste. Can be done at a center or at home.

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Blood is cleaned inside the body using the lining of the abdomen and a special fluid.

Kidney Transplantation

Kidney transplantation is widely regarded as the best option among Kidney Replacement Therapy procedures.

Best Treatment

Gold standard for severe CKD.

High Success

Living donor transplants have 90-95% success rate.

Global Impact

Most frequently performed transplant globally.

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