Kidney Health and Cardiovascular Risk

Kidney disease and heart disease are closely linked. People with kidney disease are more likely to develop heart disease, and heart disease is the most common cause of death among people with kidney disease.^[1]

The two conditions share the same two main causes — diabetes and high blood pressure — and each can make the other worse. That is why public health often studies kidney and cardiovascular health together.^[1]

High blood glucose from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and the nephrons. High blood pressure narrows and weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including in the kidneys.^[2]

The relationship runs both ways. Damaged kidneys may be unable to remove extra water and salt, which raises blood pressure, and higher blood pressure damages the kidneys further — a cycle in which each disease worsens the other. Heart failure reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and CKD is itself a risk factor for heart disease.^{[1, 2]}

Shared risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and family history. Heart disease risk also rises with high cholesterol, smoking, a diet high in unhealthy fats or sodium, lack of exercise and age (men 45 or older, women 55 or older).^{[1, 2]}

Controlling blood pressure protects both the heart and the kidneys. NIDDK advises keeping blood pressure below 140/90 unless a doctor sets a different goal; CDC notes that some blood-pressure medicines may also help protect the kidneys.^{[1, 3]}

Managing blood glucose, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, reaching a healthy weight and not smoking lower the risk of both conditions. People at risk can ask for simple blood (GFR) and urine (albumin) tests.^{[1, 3]}

CDC notes that adults with diabetes, high blood pressure or both have a higher risk of developing CKD than those without these conditions.^[4]