Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Growing Danger in Armenia

An Alarming Situation

As a practicing nephrologist in Armenia, I am increasingly concerned about the rapid increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the community. Sadly, most people do not realize that their kidneys are damaged until the disease has progressed to a dangerous stage.

According to 2024 data from the Armenian Ministry of Health, more than 12% of adults in Armenia have signs of chronic kidney disease, but only about 30% of them are diagnosed early. Among the leading causes, type 2 diabetes and hypertension account for more than 65% of CKD cases.

Real-life stories that make me worry

I still remember a 56-year-old male patient, a taxi driver in Yerevan. He came to the clinic because of persistent fatigue, mild leg swelling, and frequent urination at night. After testing, we discovered that he was in stage 4 chronic kidney disease, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of only 22 ml/min. He had never had his blood creatinine tested before, and simply thought that he was “old and weak”.

Another case was a 48-year-old woman who had been diabetic for more than 10 years, but had never been tested for microalbuminuria. When she came to see a doctor, she had severe proteinuria and persistent high blood pressure, leading to irreversible kidney damage. She needed dialysis just 8 months after her first visit.

Basic knowledge about the kidney – the “silent” but vital organ

The kidney is the organ that filters blood, removes waste and regulates water and electrolytes in the body. Each person has two kidneys, each containing about 1 million small filtering units called nephrons. When the nephrons are damaged by diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the filtering function will gradually decrease.

The danger is that chronic kidney disease often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Patients may only feel tired, have a poor appetite, or urinate frequently - signs that are easily overlooked. When the eGFR falls below 60 ml/min, the damage has already begun to become serious. If not detected and treated promptly, the disease will progress to the final stage, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Why are diabetes and high blood pressure "enemies" of the kidneys?

Diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy. Protein begins to leak into the urine, causing inflammation and fibrosis of the nephrons.

High blood pressure increases the pressure in the blood vessels of the kidneys, damaging the filtering structures and reducing kidney function over time.

Both diseases are common in Armenia, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. However, blood sugar and blood pressure control are still not fully implemented, leading to serious consequences for kidney health.

Why do we need specialized kidney centers?

As someone who trained at the University of Milan – where I was exposed to modern diagnostic methods and standardized treatment procedures – I clearly see the difference when practicing in Armenia. Many local clinics still do not have enough equipment to measure eGFR, check for microalbuminuria or perform renal Doppler ultrasound.

A specialized kidney center should have:

Modern biochemical testing machines to measure creatinine, urea, electrolytes, and proteinuria.

Renal ultrasound and vascular Doppler equipment to evaluate blood structure and flow.

A team of specialized doctors who are well-trained, capable of analyzing results and developing personalized treatment regimens.

Nutritionists and psychological counselors to support patients in changing their lifestyle and adhering to treatment.

Examinations at non-specialized facilities can lead to misdiagnosis, missing early kidney damage, or improper treatment regimens.

A Call from a Kidney Doctor

I write this article not only as a doctor, but also as a son of Armenia. I want the community to understand that chronic kidney disease is not a “death sentence” if detected early and treated properly.

Take these simple steps:

If you have diabetes or hypertension, check your kidney function at least every 6 months.

Ask for blood creatinine, eGFR and urine protein tests.

Visit specialized kidney centers with full equipment and specialized doctors.

Change your lifestyle: eat less salt, reduce protein, control blood sugar and blood pressure.

Conclusion

The kidney is a silent organ but plays a vital role. The increase in chronic kidney disease in Armenia is a wake-up call for both the medical sector and the community. With professional knowledge, modern equipment and cooperation between doctors and patients, we can completely stop the spreading wave of CKD.

If you or a loved one is at risk, don't wait. Take action today – for a healthy, dialysis-free future.