Hyderabad Kidney Screening: 24% Show Hypertension, CKD Rising in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Early detection of kidney disease is gaining traction in and around Hyderabad, with a recent mobile screening initiative revealing a significant proportion of participants exhibiting risk factors. The program, launched on World Kidney Day 2025, screened over 10,000 individuals and flagged concerning trends in hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence, prompting calls for expanded preventative measures and increased awareness.

The screening, conducted by a private medical institute, assessed 10,368 people. Results indicated that 24.01 percent of those screened had hypertension – a leading cause of CKD. More specifically, 2.46 percent were identified with CKD Stage 3, 0.33 percent with Stage 4 and 0.07 percent with Stage 5. The average age of participants was 39 years, with a clear majority (66 percent) being men, and 34 percent women. Notably, almost 59 percent of those screened fell within the 21-40 year age bracket, suggesting that kidney health risks are present even in younger adults.

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, represents a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. When kidneys are damaged, waste builds up, leading to a range of health problems. CKD is often categorized into five stages, based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – a measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. Stages 1-3 are considered mild to moderate, often with few noticeable symptoms. Stages 4 and 5 indicate severe kidney damage and may require dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life. The National Kidney Foundation provides comprehensive information on CKD stages and management.

Lifestyle Factors and Rising Prevalence in Telangana

Doctors involved in the Hyderabad screening program emphasize a strong link between lifestyle and work patterns and the development of CKD. Factors such as prolonged periods of sitting, high salt intake, insufficient water consumption, diabetes, hypertension, stress, irregular schedules, and frequent use of painkillers all contribute to kidney damage. Dr. Sujeeth Reddy, a senior consultant nephrologist involved in the initiative, highlighted that nearly 90 percent of those screened showed no symptoms, underscoring the importance of preventative screening. He also noted plans to extend the program to rural areas, where access to healthcare is often limited.

The findings align with broader trends in Telangana, where CKD prevalence has been steadily increasing. Previously estimated at 3-4 percent of adults, recent data suggests the prevalence has risen to around 7.4 percent. The Times of India reported on this increase, noting that approximately 1 in 14 adults in the state are now affected. This rise is particularly concerning given the often-silent nature of early-stage CKD.

The Role of Hypertension and Early Detection

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a particularly significant risk factor for CKD. Uncontrolled hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter blood effectively. The Hyderabad screening data reinforces this connection, with nearly a quarter of participants exhibiting hypertension. This finding underscores the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and effective management of hypertension to protect kidney health.

Experts are also advocating for the inclusion of Chronic Kidney Disease in the national Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) program. The Hindu reported that experts believe integrating CKD into the NCD program would facilitate early detection, standardized treatment protocols, and improved patient outcomes. Currently, the NCD program focuses primarily on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

Preventative Measures and What You Can Do

While the rising prevalence of CKD is concerning, preventative measures can significantly reduce risk. These include maintaining a healthy blood pressure through diet and lifestyle modifications, reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. Individuals with hypertension should undergo regular kidney function tests to detect early signs of damage. Staying adequately hydrated is also crucial, as water helps the kidneys flush out waste products.

It’s important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. While the screening identified associations between lifestyle factors and CKD risk, it doesn’t definitively prove that these factors directly cause the disease. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices in the development of CKD.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Screening and Research

The next phase of the Hyderabad screening program will focus on expanding access to preventative care in rural areas. This expansion is critical, as rural populations often face greater barriers to healthcare access and may be at higher risk due to limited awareness and resources. Continued monitoring of CKD prevalence and risk factors is also essential to inform public health strategies and allocate resources effectively.

ongoing research is needed to develop more effective treatments and preventative strategies for CKD. This includes investigating novel therapies to slow the progression of kidney disease and identifying individuals at high risk for developing CKD so that targeted interventions can be implemented. Recent advancements in AI-powered diagnostic tools, such as the model achieving 99% accuracy in predicting kidney disease in Andhra Pradesh’s Uddanam region, offer promising avenues for improving early detection and personalized treatment.