A new study has found that deaths from hypertensive kidney disease (kidney damage caused by high blood pressure) increased by 48% in the U.S. from 1999 to 2023.
The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025.
This is the first nationwide study to examine 25 years of data on deaths due to hypertensive kidney disease across all U.S. states and major demographic groups. Despite national efforts to reduce health inequalities, Black individuals were found to have over three times the death rate compared to other groups.
High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, or death. According to the American Heart Association, deaths from chronic kidney disease increased by 24% worldwide from 1990 to 2021.
In this study, researchers used CDC data from 1999–2023. Key findings include:
274,667 deaths among individuals aged 15 and older were linked to hypertensive kidney disease. The age-adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) rose from 3.3 per 100,000 in 1999 to 4.91 in 2023, a 48% increase. Men had higher AAMR than women (4.48 vs. 3.69).
Black individuals had the highest AAMR at 10.37 per 100,000, over three times higher than other groups. Hispanic individuals had a 15% higher AAMR than non-Hispanic individuals (4.55 vs. 3.97). The West had the highest regional AAMR (4.59), with Washington, D.C. (7.6), Tennessee (5.9), and Mississippi (5.83) leading among states.
Experts say this rise in deaths is alarming and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure. Social factors and disparities in healthcare access may also contribute to higher death rates in certain groups.
However, the study has limitations. It used death certificate data, which may have inaccuracies. It also didn’t include personal health data such as access to care, medication use, or diet. More research is needed to explore these factors.
For more health information, please read studies about important cause of kidney disease and Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about High blood pressure drugs may affect kidney health and findings of Effective home remedies for kidney infections.
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