New research shows that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death globally, with cases soaring in recent decades. The study emphasizes the need for early detection, lifestyle changes, and timely medication to combat the disease's progression.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant global health crisis, now the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. According to groundbreaking research published in The Lancet, record numbers of individuals are currently estimated to be suffering from reduced kidney function.
This alarming trend was unveiled after researchers at NYU Langone Health, the University of Glasgow, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington meticulously analyzed the global rise of kidney disease, examining a vast collection of 2,230 published papers and health datasets spanning 133 countries to assess diagnoses, mortality rates, and the impact of disability caused by the disease. The study, conducted as part of the Global Burden of Disease 2023 study, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive interventions to combat this silent killer, as experts warn that earlier intervention through lifestyle modifications and timely medication could significantly mitigate the disease's progression.\The comprehensive research revealed a stark increase in CKD cases, soaring from 378 million in 1990 to a staggering 788 million in 2023. This dramatic surge catapulted CKD into the top 10 most deadly diseases globally for the first time. The study highlights that approximately 14% of the world's adult population is grappling with CKD. Tragically, in 2023 alone, around 1.5 million people succumbed to kidney disease, representing a more than 6% increase since 1993. The researchers noted that a majority of the study participants were in the early stages of the disease, which is often asymptomatic and can be effectively managed through medication and lifestyle adjustments before dialysis or surgical interventions become necessary. The findings, presented at the American Society of Nephrology's annual Kidney Week conference, represent the most exhaustive assessment of CKD in nearly a decade, underscoring the pressing need for heightened global attention and resources to combat this growing health challenge. The research also revealed the significant link between impaired kidney function and heart disease, contributing to about 12% of cardiovascular mortality worldwide. Furthermore, the study pinpointed high blood sugar, elevated blood pressure, and a high body mass index (BMI) as major risk factors for developing CKD.\Experts stress that early detection and effective management are crucial to stem the tide of CKD. Josef Coresh, M.D., Ph.D., director of NYU Langone’s Optimal Aging Institute, emphasized the classification of CKD as 'common, deadly and getting worse as a major public health issue,' urging policymakers to prioritize it alongside other critical health concerns like cancer, heart disease, and mental health. Similarly, Morgan Grams, M.D., Ph.D., the Susan and Morris Mark Professor of Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, highlighted the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the disease, emphasizing the need for increased urine testing to enable early detection and ensuring that patients can access and afford necessary therapy once diagnosed. The emergence of new medications that can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure offers a ray of hope, although their global impact may take time to fully materialize. Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst, acknowledged the 'dramatic increase' and underscored the underestimation and underdiagnosis of CKD due to its often asymptomatic nature in early stages. He emphasized the crucial role of kidneys in filtering waste, regulating electrolytes, and maintaining acid-base balance, highlighting their sensitivity to changes in blood pressure and blood flow. Siegel urged physicians to be more attentive to kidney function and the impact of specific medications. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Gates Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation, reinforcing the collaborative effort to tackle this significant global health threat
Chronic Kidney Disease Kidney Failure Global Health Risk Factors Public Health
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jets pay tribute to Nick Mangold as wife, kids serve as honorary captainsThe Jets paid tribute to their legendary center Nick Mangold on Sunday, two weeks after he died of complications of kidney disease.
Read more »
Alabama Kidney Foundation holds ‘Kidney Con’The State of Alabama ranks among the highest states for kidney failure in the U.S., and the Alabama Kidney Foundation wants to change that.
Read more »
Experts fear chronic disease risks of SNAP pausePause in benefits could have harmful consequences for recipients with illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, chronic blood pressure
Read more »
Kidney Donation in Men Linked to Increased Risk of Scrotum SwellingA new study reveals that a significant number of men who donate a kidney experience scrotum swelling requiring surgery. Researchers analyzed medical records of male kidney donors in Ontario, Canada, and found that about one in eight required surgery to address the fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the importance of informing potential donors about this potential complication.
Read more »
Chronic Kidney Disease Now a Leading Global Killer: Study Reveals Alarming RiseNew research published in The Lancet reveals a dramatic increase in chronic kidney disease, now the ninth leading cause of death globally, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. Experts emphasize the need for early detection, improved treatments and lifestyle modifications to combat the rising burden of this silent killer.
Read more »
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Spreading: Symptoms, Prevention, and What to KnowOutbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease are on the rise, particularly among children. This article provides information on symptoms, how the virus spreads, treatment options, and preventative measures.
Read more »