Kidney disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Research has shown that problems with the kidneys can lead to issues with the heart, and vice versa. While these organs seem separate in function, they are closely connected, and when one fails, it often impacts the other.
This connection between kidney disease and heart disease is sometimes called the “cardio-renal syndrome,” which highlights the close relationship between the heart and kidneys.
In this review, we will explore why this connection exists and what scientists have found about the link between these two conditions.
The kidneys and heart both play critical roles in maintaining a healthy body. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and regulate the amount of fluid in the body, while the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to every organ.
When the kidneys are not working properly, they can’t remove excess fluid from the body effectively. This extra fluid increases blood volume, putting more pressure on the heart. Over time, this extra strain can lead to heart disease, including heart failure.
Scientists have observed that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are much more likely to develop heart problems.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals with moderate to severe CKD are twice as likely to develop heart disease compared to those with normal kidney function.
Researchers believe that the build-up of waste products in the blood, increased blood pressure, and fluid imbalance all contribute to this higher risk.
One reason for this link is high blood pressure, which is common in people with kidney disease. When the kidneys are damaged, they often can’t control blood pressure as well as they should. High blood pressure damages blood vessels over time, affecting both the kidneys and the heart.
A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that high blood pressure is the leading cause of kidney disease, and once kidney function declines, blood pressure tends to rise even more, creating a vicious cycle that harms the heart.
Another key factor connecting kidney and heart disease is inflammation. When the kidneys are damaged, they release certain chemicals that cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation doesn’t just affect the kidneys; it also damages blood vessels and the heart.
Researchers from the University of California found that people with chronic kidney disease had much higher levels of inflammatory markers, which were linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. This finding highlights how inflammation can harm multiple organs at the same time.
Researchers have also looked at how kidney disease affects cholesterol and other fats in the blood. People with CKD often have higher levels of harmful fats and lower levels of protective fats.
This imbalance makes it easier for cholesterol to build up in the arteries, which can lead to blockages and increase the risk of heart disease.
A study published in The Lancet found that people with kidney disease were more likely to have abnormal cholesterol levels, and this increased their chances of developing heart problems.
However, heart disease can also harm the kidneys. For example, when the heart isn’t pumping well, it can’t deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys. This lack of blood flow can damage kidney tissues, leading to kidney failure.
Researchers have noted that people with heart failure often experience a rapid decline in kidney function.
A study from the Mayo Clinic showed that nearly half of all patients with heart failure had some degree of kidney damage, and their risk of worsening kidney function increased over time.
In addition to these direct effects, certain medications used to treat one condition can affect the other. For example, some drugs used to manage heart disease, such as diuretics, can lead to dehydration and reduced kidney function.
On the other hand, medications to protect the kidneys, like ACE inhibitors, can sometimes lower blood pressure too much, putting additional strain on the heart. This overlap makes treating patients with both kidney and heart disease more complex and requires careful monitoring.
The good news is that managing one condition can help reduce the risk of the other. For example, controlling blood pressure is one of the best ways to protect both the heart and the kidneys.
A 2020 study published in Hypertension found that people with well-controlled blood pressure had a significantly lower risk of heart and kidney disease complications.
Additionally, lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help keep both organs in good shape.
In conclusion, kidney disease and heart disease are closely connected, and each condition can make the other worse. High blood pressure, inflammation, and cholesterol imbalances are all key factors that link these two diseases.
Understanding this connection can help people take steps to protect both their heart and kidneys, such as managing blood pressure, following a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with their doctor to monitor and treat both conditions.
With the right care, it is possible to slow down the progression of both kidney and heart disease and improve overall health.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies about a big cause of heart failure, and common blood test could advance heart failure treatment.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about a new way to repair human heart, and results showing drinking coffee may help reduce heart failure risk.
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