A silent and often symptomless condition is now claiming up to 45,000 premature lives in the UK every year, with a staggering one million people across the nation estimated to be living with it unknowingly. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood, has been ranked for the first time as a top 10 cause of death globally.
A Growing Global Health Crisis
Groundbreaking new research has exposed the alarming rise of chronic kidney disease worldwide. The study, led by experts from NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that the number of people with diminished kidney function has skyrocketed. In 2023, an estimated 788 million people were affected, a drastic increase from 378 million in 1990.
This surge means CKD now sits amongst other major killers like stroke, heart disease, and dementia. The research, published in The Lancet, also revealed that the disease was responsible for approximately 1.5 million deaths globally in 2023.
Why This 'Silent Killer' Is So Dangerous
The insidious nature of chronic kidney disease lies in its lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages. Mild cases often present no signs at all, which means the condition can progress undetected for years. It is frequently only discovered during routine blood or urine tests for other issues.
By the time the disease reaches its most severe stages, patients may require drastic interventions like dialysis or a kidney transplant. The study further highlighted that damaged kidney function is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, accounting for roughly 12% of global heart-related deaths.
The Urgent Call for Action and Awareness
Study co-senior author Dr Josef Coresh stated that their work shows CKD is "common, deadly, and getting worse as a major public health issue." He emphasised that these findings should push policymakers to treat kidney disease with the same urgency as cancer and heart disease.
Echoing this sentiment, co-lead author Dr Morgan Grams pointed to a significant problem with underdiagnosis. "Chronic kidney disease is underdiagnosed and undertreated," she said, advocating for more widespread urine testing to catch the condition early. Fortunately, new medications developed in the last five years can slow the disease's progression and reduce associated heart risks.
In a positive step, the World Health Organisation officially added chronic kidney disease to its agenda in May, aiming to cut early deaths from non-communicable diseases by one-third before 2030.
What You Need to Know
According to the NHS, chronic kidney disease is usually caused by other health conditions that strain the kidneys. Prevention focuses on managing underlying health issues and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms to be aware of:
- Early Stages: Typically no symptoms. Detection usually happens via a routine test.
- Later Stages: Symptoms can develop as kidney function significantly declines, potentially leading to kidney failure.
The NHS strongly advises seeing a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms. While these symptoms can often be caused by less serious conditions, an early diagnosis of CKD is vital for effective management and to prevent the disease from advancing.
