Study Finds Increased Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Stroke Belt

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. A recent study has found that living in the southeastern United States, known as the "stroke belt," is a significant risk factor for CKD. This region includes Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Individuals living in this region have a 14% higher risk of developing CKD compared to those who do not live in the stroke belt.

The REGARDS Study

The study, published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, also found that albuminuria, a condition characterized by the presence of protein in the urine, is a stronger risk factor for CKD in the stroke belt compared to other regions. This is particularly concerning as albuminuria is often a sign of kidney damage and can lead to kidney failure.

It is important to note that the increased risk of CKD among residents of the US stroke belt was independent of established CKD risk factors that disproportionately impact the southeastern US, including smoking, diabetes, low socioeconomic status, and cardiovascular disease. This suggests that other factors may contribute to the development of CKD in those residing in the US stroke belt.

One possible explanation for the higher risk of CKD in the stroke belt may be differences in environmental exposures such as heat, air pollution, or water quality. These factors have been linked to kidney disease and may be more prevalent in the southeast compared to the rest of the United States.

The study, which was an observational longitudinal cohort study, included 7799 White and 4198 Black individuals aged 45 years or older who participated in the prospective REGARDS (REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study, which enrolled participants from 2003 to 2007. The study found that during a mean follow-up of 9.4 years, incident CKD developed in 1067 participants (9%), with minimal differences by sex and race groups. The probability of incident CKD, however, differed by age strata, ranging from 4% for individuals aged 45 to 54 years to 18% for those aged 75 years or older.

The study also found that traditional CKD risk factors account for the higher risk for incident CKD and eGFR decline among Black vs White adults. This supports the focus on addressing modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity in reducing disparities in CKD.

“It is noteworthy that the increased risk of CKD among residents of the US stroke belt was independent of established CKD risk factors that disproportionately impact the southeastern US, including smoking, diabetes, low socioeconomic status and cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest that other factors may contribute to the development of incident CKD in those residing in the US stroke belt.” - Dr. KL Cheung

In a demographics-adjusted model, Black vs White race was independently associated with a 39% increased risk for CKD. However, Black race was no longer associated with incident CKD in a fully-adjusted model that took into account systolic blood pressure, body mass index, diabetes, albuminuria, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, among other variables.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for increased awareness and action to address the high risk of CKD in the stroke belt region of the southeastern United States. It is important for individuals living in this region to be aware of their risk and to take steps to reduce their risk of developing CKD. This may include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Individuals should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of CKD and seek medical attention if they suspect they may have the condition. With early detection and intervention, the progression of CKD can be slowed, and in some cases, even reversed.

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Related Articles

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

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References

Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Higher in the ‘Stroke Belt’

Risk Factors for Incident CKD in Black and White Americans: The REGARDS Study

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About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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