CKD

A condition in which the kidneys become damaged slowly over time and are not able to remove waste products and extra water from the blood to make urine. This can cause an imbalance of important minerals and chemicals in the body. CKD usually gets worse over time and can lead to kidney failure and other health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, anemia, bone disease, and malnutrition. Most people with CKD do not have symptoms until the disease is very advanced. The two most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other risk factors include heart disease, obesity, smoking, older age, and having a family history of kidney disease or failure. There is no cure for CKD, but certain medicines, such as those that lower blood pressure or manage blood sugar levels, and healthy behaviors, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing extra weight, and quitting smoking, can help manage the disease. CKD is common among adults in the United States. Also called chronic kidney disease.