Most people rarely give their kidneys a second thought. They work silently every day, filtering waste and keeping the body in balance without demanding attention.
As long as nothing feels wrong, there is little reason to worry. That quiet reliability, doctors say, is exactly what makes kidney disease so dangerous.
New research suggests that chronic kidney disease is emerging as one of the fastest-growing threats to global health.
A disease that hides in plain sight
Chronic kidney disease is already among the leading causes of death worldwide and is expected to climb even higher by 2040.
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A major international study published in The Lancet shows that the number of people living with the condition has more than doubled over the past three decades.
Experts believe the true scale is larger still. Early stages often cause no noticeable symptoms, allowing the disease to progress undetected for years.
By the time it is discovered, kidney function is frequently already reduced beyond repair.
More than a kidney problem
Although kidney failure is serious, most patients do not die directly from kidney disease.
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Instead, declining kidney function sharply increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The kidneys play a central role in regulating blood pressure, fluids and minerals, and when they weaken, the strain on the cardiovascular system rises.
Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol, along with an aging population.
Research from Europe shows that the disease also affects socially disadvantaged groups more frequently.
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Catching it earlier
The good news is that chronic kidney disease can often be detected with simple blood and urine tests. Early diagnosis allows treatment to slow progression and reduce complications.
Health specialists recommend regular screening for older adults and people with known risk factors, as well as lifestyle measures such as:
- monitoring blood pressure
- limiting salt intake
- avoiding smoking
The danger of kidney disease lies not in how suddenly it strikes, but in how quietly it advances.
Sources: The Lancet, World Health Organization and TV2
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