Understanding genetic kidney disease risk in African Americans

Researchers have discovered that a gene called APOL1 plays an important role in kidney disease risk for African Americans. This study wants to understand how common these genetic variants are in Black patients with high blood pressure, and what people think about learning whether they carry these gene changes. The researchers will use surveys and genetic testing to explore how this information might help people manage their kidney health.

African Americans have higher rates of kidney failure, and recent research shows that some of this difference is linked to genetics. However, we don't fully understand people's attitudes about genetic testing for kidney disease, or how learning about genetic risk might help patients and families make better health decisions. This study aims to fill that gap.