What are the most common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease in the USA?

The most common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the USA are primarily diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD as high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. This condition can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function over time.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the second most common cause of CKD. It can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function. Persistent high blood pressure can lead to further deterioration of kidney health, creating a cycle where CKD can worsen hypertension, and vice versa.

While other causes listed, such as polycystic kidney disease, chronic glomerulonephritis, and factors like obesity and smoking, can contribute to CKD, they are not as prevalent as diabetes and hypertension in the general population. Therefore, the combination of diabetes and hypertension accounts for a significant majority of CKD cases, making this answer the most accurate representation of the leading causes in the USA.