There is a surprising link between chronic kidney disease and heart failure. Each organ has a specific role and function in the body but they rely on each other to keep us healthy. If one organ fails to work it put pressure on other organs affecting them. The link between chronic kidney disease and heart disease is one such example that shows how organs are connected.

Chronic kidney disease can lead to increased blood pressure – a known risk factor for heart disease. Furthermore, chronic kidney disease can itself cause high blood pressure which can lead to heart disease.

Heart Failure in Chronic Kidney Disease – What is the link?

Heart’s role is to continuously supply oxygenated blood throughout the body – while kidneys role is to filter the blood, remove toxins and waste and form urine. Thus, kidneys help regulate, salt and water levels to control blood pressure under check.

When kidneys get impaired, salt and water accumulate in body and hormone that regulate blood pressure become overactive and all this will increase workload on heart. Over a period of time, it will lead to heart disease.

Impaired kidney function increases blood pressure

The high blood pressure that results from kidney disease can make the pre-existing kidney disease worse. Worsening kidney disease increases the blood pressure further. In this way, a vicious cycle develops wherein one disease makes the other worse.

People with chronic kidney disease have weak bones and low levels of red blood cells. They develop anemia

Risk factors

High blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy diet, obesity, and family history, sedentary life are the common risk factors for diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease.

CKD and cardiovascular disease – What should you do?

If you have heart disease or kidney disease, you must control diabetes if you have diabetes and blood pressure if you have high blood pressure.

If you are healthy, then you can lower the risk of developing heart failure in kidney disease by following the below steps:

  • Manage your weight
  • Reduce salt and sugar intake
  • Keep yourself active
  • Keep your cholesterol levels under check
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Don’t eat excess proteins

Perform minimum 30 to 40 minutes exercise daily

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