According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million Americans have kidney disease and millions more are at an increased risk. If kidney disease worsens, wastes build to high levels in the blood; complications such as high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, and nerve damage can occur and increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant. Early detection and treatment can often help keep CKD from getting worse.