This secondary analysis of data from the MULTIRISC study investigated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients who either had or were at a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The original, epidemiological, cross-sectional, multicenter study was carried out in outpatient clinics belonging to cardiology, internal medicine and endocrinology departments. It included patients aged > or = 18 years with a high cardiovascular risk (i.e., a SCORE [Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation] risk >5% or diabetes mellitus or associated clinical disease). The definition of CKD was an estimated glomerular filtration rate (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Established CKD was regarded as present when, in addition, the serum creatinine level was > or = 1.3 mg/dL in men or > or = 1.2 mg/dL in women, and occult CKD as present when the creatinine level was lower. In total, 2608 patients were included. Some 62.7% did not have CKD, 18.9% had established CKD and 18.4% had occult CKD. In summary, CKD was highly prevalent in patients with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.