Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the deterioration of kidney function over time. When kidney function declines, the body can no longer filter waste products from the blood effectively.

CKD affects individuals of all ages. Common risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, heart failure, and family history. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease – it must be managed with treatments like dialysis and kidney transplant.

But the good news is that early detection of chronic kidney disease can keep it from getting worse, leading to a better quality of life for patients. Here are a few things to keep in mind.