Kidney disease and heart disease are more connected than most people realize. Problems with the kidneys can lead to problems with the heart, and heart disease can harm the kidneys.
This close link is sometimes called ‘cardio-renal syndrome,’ a term that shows how the health of these two vital organs is tied together.
The kidneys and heart have very different jobs, but both are essential for a healthy body. The kidneys filter waste and control fluid levels, while the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to every organ.
When the kidneys stop working well, they cannot remove extra fluid. This causes more blood to build up in the body, which increases blood volume and puts extra strain on the heart. Over time, this can lead to heart problems, including heart failure.
Research has shown that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are much more likely to develop heart disease. One large study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that those with moderate to severe CKD are twice as likely to develop heart problems compared to people with normal kidney function.
The higher risk comes from waste build-up in the blood, higher blood pressure, and fluid imbalances.
High blood pressure is a major reason for this connection. Damaged kidneys cannot control blood pressure as well as they should. High blood pressure damages blood vessels, affecting both the heart and kidneys.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has shown that high blood pressure is the top cause of kidney disease. Once kidney function declines, blood pressure usually rises even more, creating a dangerous cycle that harms the heart.
Inflammation is another link. Damaged kidneys release chemicals that cause inflammation throughout the body. This can harm blood vessels and the heart. A University of California study found that people with CKD had much higher levels of inflammation, which raised their risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Kidney disease can also cause unhealthy cholesterol levels. People with CKD often have more harmful fats and fewer protective fats in their blood.
This makes it easier for cholesterol to build up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart blockages. A study in The Lancet confirmed that kidney disease is linked to abnormal cholesterol, which in turn raises heart disease risk.
But the link works both ways. When the heart is weak, it can’t pump enough blood to the kidneys. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, kidney tissues get damaged, which can lead to kidney failure. The Mayo Clinic reported that nearly half of heart failure patients had kidney damage, and many saw their kidney function get worse over time.
Medications can also affect the other organ. Some drugs for heart disease, like diuretics, can reduce kidney function by causing dehydration.
On the other hand, medicines that protect the kidneys, like ACE inhibitors, can lower blood pressure too much and strain the heart. This makes treating patients with both conditions more complicated and requires close medical supervision.
The good news is that controlling one condition can help protect the other. Managing blood pressure is one of the best ways to protect both the heart and kidneys.
A 2020 study in the journal Hypertension showed that people with well-controlled blood pressure had a much lower risk of complications from both diseases. Lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking also support both organs.
In short, kidney disease and heart disease are deeply connected. High blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol problems all link the two. By understanding this relationship and taking steps to protect both organs, people can slow the progression of these diseases and improve their overall health.
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