Chronic Kidney Disease in Chile: Symptoms, Prevention & Early Detection

Around 10% of the Chilean population is estimated to have some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that often progresses silently and is frequently detected only after irreversible damage has occurred. According to the Chilean Ministry of Health, CKD is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and other complications, and its prevalence is rising due to an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

The most common risk factors for CKD are hypertension and diabetes mellitus, followed by obesity, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, age, and family history,” explains Meline Torreblanca, a faculty member at the School of Nursing at Andrés Bello University. “All of these conditions, if left uncontrolled, slowly damage the structure and function of the kidneys.”

Early Detection is Key

One of the biggest challenges is early detection. Torreblanca emphasizes that two fundamental tests are crucial for identifying kidney damage in its initial stages: a blood creatinine test with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering, and a urine test to measure protein or albumin, which can detect early kidney damage.

“In individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or those over 60 years of age, these tests should be performed periodically in primary care settings,” the expert advises.

Education and Lifestyle Changes

Patient education is essential to prevent complications and slow the progression of the disease. “We work along three main lines,” Torreblanca details:

• Control of underlying diseases: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight.
• Lifestyle changes: reducing salt intake, eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, quitting smoking, and avoiding self-medication with pain relievers.
• Providing clear and concise information: explaining what the disease is, what the control goals are, what medications are being used, what warning signs to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.

“When the patient understands their condition and actively participates in their care, the results are much better,” she underscores.

Nursing in Dialysis

When the disease progresses and the patient requires dialysis, nursing plays a crucial role. “Our work is comprehensive: we perform clinical assessments before, during, and after each session, monitor vascular access, prevent complications and infections, adjust the care plan, and constantly educate the patient and their family,” explains the UNAB faculty member.

This support includes guidance on diet, fluids, medications, access care, and preparation for a potential transplant. “It’s a very close clinical, educational, and emotional support role,” she adds.

How to Care for Your Kidneys

Torreblanca offers simple recommendations that can make a difference:

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar.
• Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and reduce salt intake.
• Avoid self-medication with anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Do not smoke.
• Get the recommended screenings if you have diabetes, hypertension, are over 60, or have a family history of kidney disease.
• Consult a doctor if you experience swelling in the legs, changes in urine, or unexplained fatigue.

“The kidneys are vital and silent organs. Taking care of them is an investment in health and quality of life,” Torreblanca concludes.

The sustained increase in chronic kidney disease necessitates strengthening prevention and timely diagnosis from primary care. Promoting healthy habits, controlling underlying diseases, and ensuring access to simple but key tests can make a difference in the course of the disease. Early detection allows for delaying its progression, improving the quality of life of patients, and reducing the health and social impact of a condition that, although silent, has profound consequences.

In Chile, as of June 16, 2025, the prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is 1550 per million population, with universal access to therapies including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. However, limitations in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in early stages, hinder efforts to slow disease progression and prevent complications.