Kidney disease is a major health problem in the United States and around the world.  Over 460,000 Americans rely on a dialysis machine to keep them alive and nearly 100,000 are on the waiting list for a lifesaving kidney transplant.  In Louisiana, there are over 10,000 individuals on dialysis.  Recent studies indicate that as many as 30 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD).  Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, many people are unaware and do not take steps to protect the health of their kidneys.

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The facts

• 30 million Americans have CKD and millions more are at high risk.

• Kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.

• High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and a family history of kidney disease.

• African Americans, Hispanics, Asian or Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and seniors are at increased risk.

• Once kidneys fail, patients need dialysis or a transplant to survive.

• Early detection can slow the progress of kidney disease.