What are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

The two leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are diabetes and hypertension. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, leads to CKD primarily due to high blood sugar levels causing damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. This damage affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, resulting in their gradual decline in function.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another significant contributor to CKD. Prolonged high blood pressure can cause damage to the kidneys' blood vessels, further compromising their filtering ability. The relationship between CKD and these conditions is critical, as poorly managed diabetes and hypertension can exacerbate kidney damage and progression of the disease.

Other options present causes that are not as closely linked to CKD. While heart failure and diabetes can coexist as complications of systemic issues, heart failure itself is not a primary cause of CKD. Similarly, hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease rather than a direct cause of CKD. Lastly, while cancer may impact kidney function, it is not a leading cause of CKD compared to diabetes and hypertension.