Deaths linked to kidney disease caused by high blood pressure have risen sharply in the United States, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025.
The study found that over the past 25 years, deaths from hypertensive kidney disease increased by 48%, with the greatest impact seen in men and in Black and Hispanic communities.
“This is the first study to track 25 years of national data on deaths from hypertensive kidney disease across all U.S. states and major demographic groups,” said lead author Dr. Joiven Nyongbella of Wayne State University.
“Despite national efforts to reduce health inequalities, Black individuals still had more than three times the death rate compared with other groups.”
High blood pressure, when the force of blood against artery walls stays too high, is already known as a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
It is also a major driver of kidney damage, ranking as the second leading cause of end-stage kidney disease.
Untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, heart attacks, and heart failure. Globally, kidney disease deaths rose 24% between 1990 and 2021, and the U.S. data suggest the problem is worsening at home.
The study analyzed data from death certificates between 1999 and 2023, focusing on those where hypertensive kidney disease was listed as the cause of death.
In total, more than 274,000 deaths were linked to this condition during that period. The national age-adjusted mortality rate rose from 3.3 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 4.9 per 100,000 in 2023.
The burden was not evenly shared. Men consistently had higher death rates than women. Black Americans were most affected, with an average death rate of 10.4 per 100,000—more than triple that of other groups.
Hispanic individuals also had a 15% higher rate than non-Hispanic individuals. Geographically, the South showed some of the highest death rates, with Washington, D.C., Tennessee, and Mississippi topping the list.
“High blood pressure isn’t just about strokes or heart attacks—it’s also a major cause of kidney disease and death, especially in Black and Hispanic communities,” said Nyongbella.
“The message is simple: check your blood pressure, treat it early, and don’t ignore it. Left untreated, it can quietly lead to life-threatening kidney problems.”
Experts emphasize that the findings highlight the urgent need for better prevention, earlier treatment, and improved access to care. While the study had some limitations—it relied on death certificates, which may not always capture every detail—the overall trend is clear and troubling.
“These findings underline what recent guidelines already stress: controlling blood pressure is vital for protecting both heart and kidney health,” said Dr. Sidney Smith, a cardiologist at the University of North Carolina and a past president of the American Heart Association.
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Source: American Heart Association.
