Hypertensive Kidney Disease Deaths Surge 48% Over 25 Years, Revealing Persistent Health Disparities
New research shows a nearly 50% increase in U.S. deaths from high blood pressure-related kidney disease since 1999, with Black individuals experiencing death rates over three times higher than other groups, highlighting urgent need for improved screening and management.
Death rates from hypertensive kidney disease have increased by 48% in the United States over the past 25 years, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025. The study analyzed data from the CDC WONDER database from 1999 to 2023, revealing persistent disparities across racial, ethnic, gender and geographic lines.
The age-adjusted mortality rate rose from 3.3 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 4.91 per 100,000 in 2023, representing a significant public health concern. Black individuals experienced the highest death rates at 10.37 per 100,000 people, more than three times higher than other population groups. Hispanic individuals had a 15% higher mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic individuals.
Men showed higher mortality rates than women (4.48 vs. 3.69 per 100,000), with a 22% higher mortality in individuals with renal failure. Geographically, the South region showed particularly high rates, with Washington, D.C. (7.6 per 100,000), Tennessee (5.9) and Mississippi (5.83) recording the highest age-adjusted mortality rates.
Dr. Joiven Nyongbella, the study's lead researcher, emphasized that "high blood pressure isn't just about strokes or heart attacks - it's also a major cause of kidney disease and death, especially in Black and Hispanic communities." The findings align with the recently released 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline and the AHA's Presidential Advisory on Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Health, both stressing the importance of early treatment for high blood pressure.
The study reviewed 274,667 deaths from hypertensive kidney disease among individuals ages 15 and older from 1999-2023. Researchers used death certificate data with ICD-10 codes for hypertensive renal disease, though they noted limitations including potential errors in death certificate reporting and lack of individual health factor data.
American Heart Association volunteer expert Dr. Sidney C. Smith Jr. stated that the study "provides important observational data indicating a concerning rise in age-adjusted deaths due to high blood pressure-related kidney disease over the last 25 years, especially among men, and Black and Hispanic individuals." The findings underscore the critical need for improved blood pressure screening and management strategies, particularly in high-risk communities.