Chronic kidney disease in Spain: Prevalence and impact of accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem worldwide. We aimed to estimate the CKD prevalence in Spain and to examine the impact of the accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Material and methods We performed a nationwide, population-based survey evaluating 11,505 individuals representative of the Spanish adult population. Information was collected through standardized questionnaires, physical examination, and analysis of blood and urine samples in a central laboratory. CKD was graded according to current KDIGO definitions. The relationship between CKD and 10 CVRF was assessed (age, hypertension, general obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes and sedentary lifestyle). Results Prevalence of CKD was 15.1% (95% CI: 14.3–16.0%). CKD was more common in men (23.1% vs. 7.3% in women), increased with age (4.8% in 18–44 age group, 17.4% in 45–64 age group, and 37.3% in ≥65), and was more common in those with than those without cardiovascular disease (39.8% vs. 14.6%); all P P trend Conclusions CKD affects one in seven adults in Spain. The prevalence is higher than previously reported and similar to that in the United States. CKD was particularly prevalent in men, older people and people with cardiovascular disease. Prevalence of CKD increased considerably with the accumulation of CVRF, suggesting that CKD could be considered as a cardiovascular condition.