Risk Factors

Existing health conditions

Chronic kidney disease is most often caused by an existing medical condition that places strain on the kidneys. 

• Diabetes — the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. 
• High blood pressure — the second leading cause of chronic kidney disease.
• Heart disease — strongly linked with chronic kidney disease as both a cause and a symptom.
• Obesity — increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, the two leading causes of kidney disease. 

Ethnic background

With a higher prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure, certain ethnic groups face a greater risk of chronic kidney disease. 

• African Americans — represent one third of kidney failure patients in the U.S.
• Native Americans — nearly two times as likely than whites to be diagnosed with kidney failure. 
• Asian Americans — almost 1 in 5 have high blood pressure, a leading cause of kidney disease.
• Hispanics — more than 1 in 9 has diabetes (1 in 4 among those over 45), the leading cause of kidney disease.

Family history 

If someone in your family has had chronic kidney disease, you’re at a greater risk of developing it too. The same is true if you have a family history of high blood pressure or diabetes. 

Age

If you’re over the age of 65, you face a greater risk of chronic kidney disease. For many, losing a certain amount of kidney function is part of the aging process. 

Lifestyle

Certain habits and lifestyle choices can also put you at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. 

• Smoking — reduces blood flow to your kidneys and worsens the impact of diabetes and high blood pressure, the leading causes of kidney disease. 
• High-sodium diet — leads to high blood pressure and protein in the urine, both risk factors for kidney disease. 
• Lack of exercise — can cause obesity, which is linked with chronic kidney disease.
• Drugs and alcohol abuse — strains the kidneys as well as the heart and liver.