March is National Kidney Month. Kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 37 million adults are estimated to have kidney disease in the U.S. There are several different types of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). CKD refers to a progressive loss of kidney function over time, while AKI refers to sudden, but temporary, loss of kidney function due to illness or injury.

“Kidney disease is called a silent disease because it may have no symptoms in the early stages and thus not be accurately assessed until it’s advanced,” says Carrie Lam, MD, a physician at the Lam Clinic. “Possibly because of this, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer.”

Kidney disease can affect people in different ways. It may go undiagnosed for years before symptoms start to show, or it may progress quickly over several months. Because of this, it’s important to be aware of the true significance of the statistics, which can help to have a better understanding of kidney disease and how it affects people’s lives.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease refers to damage to the kidneys, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. These two bean-shaped organs are in the back of the abdomen, near the middle of the body. Their main function is to filter waste products from the blood. If they fail to filter blood properly, these wastes build up in the body and can cause fluid imbalances, high blood pressure, weakness and fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and anemia, along with a host of other symptoms.

The main diagnostic tool for kidney disease is a blood test that shows the presence of abnormal amounts of certain waste products in the blood, including serum creatinine. Doctors measure the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to determine the blood filtration rate of kidneys. Urine tests can also reveal evidence of kidney disease by detecting the presence of blood or albuminuria—an excess amount of a protein called albumin in the urine.

If kidney disease is suspected, further imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, may be recommended to check for signs of damage. A biopsy may be taken to examine the tissue and cells of the kidneys for a proper diagnosis.

How common is kidney disease?

Kidney diseases are one of the most common causes of death in the United States. (CDC, 2022)
Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 10% of the general population worldwide. (National Kidney Foundation, 2015)
Only 1 in 10 people with chronic kidney disease have been diagnosed. (National Kidney Foundation, 2021)

Kidney disease statistics worldwide

An estimated 1 million people worldwide die from untreated kidney failure each year.
Saudi Arabia and Belgium are estimated to have the highest predicted CKD rates among high-income countries at 24% of the population respectively.
Norway and the Netherlands are among the lowest-ranking countries for CKD.

Helio, 2019

Kidney disease statistics in the U.S.

CKD is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. (The George Washington University, 2022)
CKD affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. citizens. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
More than 15% of U.S. adults are estimated to have CKD. (CDC, 2022)

Kidney disease statistics by condition

About 500,000 Americans are affected by the inherited disorder, polycystic kidney disease (PKD). (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
Lupus nephritis, a kidney disease caused by the autoimmune condition lupus, affects as many as 50% of adults and 80% of children with lupus. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
1 in 46 men and 1 in 80 women will develop kidney cancer at some point throughout their life. (American Cancer Society, 2022)
End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) affects about 2 in 1,000 individuals in the United States. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)

Kidney disease statistics by age

CKD is most common in adults aged 65 years and older. (CDC, 2021)
Kidney diseases in children are the most prevalent at birth and include fetal hydronephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and multicystic kidney disease, among others. (Nemours KidsHealth, 2022)
Six percent of those diagnosed with kidney disease are between the ages of 18 and 44 years. (CDC, 2021)
Roughly 12% of those diagnosed with kidney disease are between the ages of 45 and 64 years. (CDC, 2021)

Kidney disease statistics by sex

Around 14% of women develop kidney disease, compared to 12% of men. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
Women with CKD are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy. (National Kidney Foundation, 2022)

Kidney disease statistics by race and ethnicity

CKD affects approximately 14% of Hispanic adults. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
Non-Hispanic Black adults have a greater incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than non-Hispanic white or Asian adults. (CDC, 2021)
It’s believed that African Americans are more likely to have an increased prevalence of chronic kidney disease risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, along with poor accessibility to sufficient preventive care. (Harvard Health, 2021)

Common kidney disease complications

Chronic kidney disease can lead to serious health complications, including end-stage renal disease, a life-threatening condition that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

People with CKD often experience a decline in their overall health and quality of life. They may have difficulty completing everyday tasks and may be at risk for other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

CKD patients are more likely to be hospitalized for cardiovascular disease than other medical conditions. (The American Journal of Managed Care, 2021)
According to data, 554,038 Americans received dialysis to replace kidney function in 2018 alone. (National Kidney Foundation, 2021)
Around 20,000 kidney transplants are performed each year in the United States. (Penn Medicine, 2020)
There are around 93,000 Americans on the kidney transplant waiting list. (United Network for Organ Sharing, 2022)
An estimated 96 per 1,000 CKD patients older than 65 years die each year. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
In the United States, Mississippi had the highest mortality rate for CKD in 2020. (CDC, 2021)
Those who are on dialysis for chronic kidney disease have a five-year survival rate of less than 50% after one year of treatment. (University of California San Francisco, 2019)

The cost of kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is a massive burden on the healthcare system. In the United States, treatment of chronic kidney disease may cost more than $48 billion each year. (National Kidney Foundation, 2015)
Medicare spent more than $23,000 per person each year on those over 65 years old with chronic kidney disease—more than double the amount spent on those who did not have the condition. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2021)
Medicare alone spends approximately $80 billion on CKD treatment each year. (Penn Medicine, 2019)
Private insurance companies spent an average of $14,399 per person each month on healthcare services for individuals with ESRD. (University of Southern California, 2021)

Causes of kidney disease

There are many potential causes of kidney disease, including physical, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. Some of the most well-known risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and family history.

Physical factors that may increase the risk of developing CKD include injuries, infections, and certain medical conditions. Certain medications, including over-the-counter pain medications like naproxen and ibuprofen, can also increase the risk of developing CKD.

Stress, anxiety, and depression are psychological factors that can all play a role in developing kidney disease, according to a study published in BMC Nephrology. Obesity is also a significant risk factor.

Environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants or toxins can also increase the risk for kidney disease. Smoking, herbicides, and heavy metals are just some of the potential environmental factors that can contribute to the condition, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Kidney disease prevention

The CDC recommends that all Americans at risk for chronic kidney disease get regular screenings to watch for signs of the disease. To prevent the onset of chronic kidney disease, it is important to manage hypertension and diabetes as well as reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight. A low sodium diet high in fruits and vegetables is recommended. Additionally, it is important to limit alcohol intake and be aware of kidney-damaging medications.

There are several organizations, both private and public, working to increase awareness of kidney disease and its risk factors. The National Kidney Foundation is one the largest voluntary health organizations in the United States dedicated to preventing kidney diseases and improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by them.

Other CKD organizations include:

Treating kidney disease

There is no cure for CKD, but early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications. People with CKD should seek medical care from a kidney specialist to get the best possible care. Because CKD can be a progressive disease, it is important to manage blood pressure and other risk factors.

Management of chronic kidney disease depends on the CKD stage. Common treatment options include:

Medications: Drugs that help with protein loss in the urine, diuretics to treat fluid buildup, and antihypertensive medications are just some of the options for those with early-stage CKD. Common medications include phosphate binders, iron agents, B-Complex vitamins, immunosuppressants, and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA).
Dialysis: Dialysis, a form of renal replacement therapy, is the most common treatment for end-stage kidney disease. Dialysis works by filtering waste out of the blood and removing excess fluids from the body. The two types of dialysis include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Kidney transplant: This procedure involves surgically implanting a healthy kidney in place of a diseased one.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are an important source of new treatments for kidney disease. They allow researchers to learn more about new medications and therapies.

Kidney disease questions and answers

What percent of the population has kidney disease?

An estimated 15% of the adult U.S. population has chronic kidney disease, according to the CDC.

How are children and adolescents affected by kidney disease?

In children, CKD can be caused by inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. In addition to genetic factors, some of the most common causes of pediatric kidney disease include birth defects and injuries.

What’s behind racial disparities in kidney disease?

Racial disparities in kidney disease risk factors, early diagnosis, and treatment may all contribute to the higher rates of kidney disease among certain socioeconomic groups. An increased prevalence of CKD risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, along with poor accessibility to sufficient preventive care, likely contribute to the higher rates of kidney disease among Black people.

What percent of the population is on dialysis?

Nearly 786,000 people in the United States are living with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Of these, 71% are on dialysis and 29% receive a kidney transplant, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

What is the survival rate of chronic kidney disease?

After one year of treatment, those who are on dialysis for chronic kidney disease have a five-year survival rate of less than 50%, according to the University of California San Francisco.

Kidney disease research

Chronic kidney disease basics, CDC
Kidney disease, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Global facts: About kidney disease, National Kidney Foundation
Kidney disease: The basics, National Kidney Foundation
1 in 10 people worldwide have CKD, but many governments don’t make kidney disease a priority, Helio
Facts and stats, Kidney Care UK
Facts: Kidney disease, The George Washington University
Kidney disease statistics for the United States, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
What is polycystic kidney disease, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Lupus and kidney disease (lupus nephritis), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Key statistics about kidney cancer, American Cancer Society
Kidney diseases in childhood, Nemours KidsHealth
Chronic kidney disease in the United States 2021, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Women and kidney disease, 2022
Chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2021, CDC
What’s behind racial disparities in kidney disease?, Harvard Health
Even patients with mild CKD have higher hospitalization rates, study says, The American Journal of Managed Care
Too many donor kidneys are discarded in U.S. before transplantation, Penn Medicine
The kidney transplant waitlist, United Network for Organ Sharing
Kidney disease mortality by state, CDC
Statistics, University of California San Francisco
The underrecognized epidemic of chronic kidney disease, Penn Medicine
Dialysis costs the healthcare system three times more in the individual market, University of Southern California
Psychosocial factors in adults with chronic kidney disease: characteristics of pilot participants in the Tasmanian Chronic Kidney Disease study, BMC Nephrology
Environmental pollution and kidney disease, National Kidney Foundation
Chronic kidney disease treatment, National Health Service