Risk factors are situations that increase your chances of getting a disease or condition. The risk for developing CKD increases with the number of risk factors one may have. People at risk for CKD include those individuals with:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Family history of kidney disease
• People of color (i.e., African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native American because they have a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure)
• Seniors—the older you are the greater your risk

• Blockages (urinary track system, blood clots or plaques of cholesterol that block the kidney vessels, repeated kidney stones)
• Drug use (heroin or cocaine)
• Inflammation
• Existence of certain disease (lupus, AIDS, cancer, sickle cell and or congestive heart failure)
• Premature baby