AKF Concerned about New Study Indicating High Blood Pressure is on the Rise in U.S.

American Kidney Fund
Monday, 14 July 2003

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is concerned by the findings of a newly-released study indicating that the prevalence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in the United States is going up, reversing a downward trend that dates back to the 1960s. The study analyzed data from more than 5000 adults over the age of 18 collected on a regular basis by the Center for Disease Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control. According to the latest government statistics, nearly a third of American adults have hypertension, an increase of almost 4% from a decade earlier. Researchers did not examine why hypertension is rising, but the jump coincides with a sharp increase in the number of overweight or obese Americans. Obesity is a major cause of hypertension.

"Many Americans understand that high blood pressure can cause heart disease or stroke, but many do not realize that kidney disease is where hypertension and diabetes intersect; they are the main causes of kidney failure," said AKF Director of Communications Sandra Palmer. About 20 million Americans have kidney disease and an additional 20 million have it and are unaware of it. Nearly 400,000 people in the U.S. have end stage renal disease (ESRD), more commonly known as kidney failure. The number doubles every 10 years. There is no cure for ESRD; the only treatments are kidney dialysis and kidney transplantation. "What is true in the prevention of heart disease is true in the prevention of kidney disease – eat a more healthful diet, exercise, and don't smoke," Palmer explained. "People with hypertension should follow their doctor's instructions to keep their blood pressure under control, and diabetics should control their blood sugar," she concluded.

The American Kidney Fund is the leading national voluntary health organization providing direct financial assistance for the benefit of kidney patients supported by comprehensive educational programs, clinical research and community service projects.

For more information, or to contact American Kidney Fund, see their website at: www.akfinc.org