The Message for World Kidney Day 2009

Undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension among the adults in rural Bangladesh

“…Uncontrolled or untreated hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases [2,3] and an impending risk factor for chronic kidney disease [4]. Around the world, both in western countries and in other societies, many patients are unaware of their condition, in spite of available cost-effective medications [5], and thus left untreated [6].…”

Secondary Hypertension, Issues in Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The therapy of hypertension may then depend on the cause. 36,37 In hypertension associated with CKD (intrinsic renal disease), first-line therapy is an ACEI or ARB, particularly if proteinuria/albuminuria is present. 5 Activation of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system underlies the use of ACEIs or ARBs as the drugs of choice.…”

What is the Ideal Blood Pressure Goal for Patients with Stage III or Higher Chronic Kidney Disease?

“…Subsequently, due to increasing rates of HTN and an aging population, chronic kidney disease (CKD) rates have also been climbing. According to the NHANES, between the years 1999 to 2006, CKD stages I to IV has affected 26 million adults in the United States 20 years of age or older [3]. Moreover, the prevalence of patients initiating renal-replacement therapy has increased in many countries, which has added to the substantial cost to already burdened health care systems [4,5].…”