A new study highlights a sharp rise in deaths from hypertensive kidney disease across the United States, laying bare deep disparities for Black and Hispanic communities. Since 1999, the age-adjusted death rate from hypertensive kidney disease has increased by 48 percent, with men, residents of Southern states, and ethnic minorities bearing the brunt of this trend.
High blood pressure should not be underestimated as it quietly leads to life-threatening kidney problems, especially in communities of color. “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,” said Joiven Nyongbella, MD, MPH candidate at Wayne State University.
The study analyzed over two decades of CDC data and found a threefold higher mortality rate among Black patients—10.37 deaths per 100,000 people—compared to an average of 3.33 to 3.90 among other racial groups. Hispanic patients also stood out, with a 15% higher age-adjusted kidney death rate compared to non-Hispanic peers. Among the states, Washington, DC, Tennessee, and Mississippi saw the highest mortality.
These disparities do not appear to be explained solely by progression to end-stage kidney disease, indicating upstream prevention is essential. Dr. Nyongbella’s team urges aggressive blood pressure control and chronic kidney disease screening specifically in high-risk populations. The findings reinforce calls for coordinated, comprehensive care that addresses all contributing conditions to reduce these preventable deaths.
See: “Hypertensive CKD Deaths Rising in the United States” (September 30, 2025)
