Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, happens when the kidneys have become damaged or have a problem with their structure that prevents them from filtering blood the way they should. As a result, waste and extra fluid can build up in the body.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that occurs when the kidneys have become damaged over a longer period (for at least 3 months). In most cases, developing CKD is a slow process with very few symptoms at first. Many people with reduced kidney function are not even aware they have CKD. CKD can range from mild to severe and often gets worse over time, though treatment can slow it down. Some people develop kidney (renal) failure, which may require dialysis or kidney transplant to survive.
Having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease can all increase the risk of CKD. It also increases the risk of other health problems like stroke and heart disease. It’s important to get tested for CKD regularly if you're at risk. Healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, not smoking, and taking medications when needed can help treat and prevent CKD.
In 2022, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) were 45% more likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall.
Additional Resources
MedlinePlus
Related Data
- Diabetes and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders
- Heart Disease and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders
- Hypertension and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders
Further Reading
Mortality
| Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis (kidney disease) mortality, age-adjusted rate per 100,000 population, 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NHPI* | Total Population | Ratio (NHPI* / Total) | |
| Male | 21.0 | 16.7 | 1.26 |
| Female | 19.5 | 11.6 | 1.68 |
| Both Sexes | 20.0 | 13.8 | 1.45 |
*Population is non-Hispanic in the data source.
Date Last Reviewed: March 2026