Why Black Man Risk For Kidney Disease ?

Black men with kidney disease and high blood pressure are more likely than others to not have their blood pressure under control, which could worsen their kidney disease, according to a study in the current issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, HealthDay News/U.S. News & World Report reports.

Among people in the later stages of kidney disease, both black men and women were less likely than white men and women to have their blood pressure under control.
High blood pressure can worsen kidney disease, and some research suggests that controlling hypertension may play a major role in slowing progression of kidney disease, according to background information in the study, which looked at more than 10,000 people with kidney disease and hypertension.

In a statement, Duru said, "African-Americans with (kidney disease) progress more quickly to kidney failure, at which point they must receive a kidney transplant or regular dialysis to survive," adding, "These findings suggest that their higher risk of kidney failure may stem, at least in part, from higher rates of uncontrolled high blood pressure."

About 26 million Americans have kidney disease. People at increased risk for kidney disease include minorities, older adults and those with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a family history of kidney disease. Research has shown that blacks with kidney disease progress five times faster to kidney failure than whites with kidney disease.