The Link Between CKD and Heart Disease

February is officially here which has me itching for Spring weather and more sunny days. And if you are one for traditions, you may have been holding your breath along with me for the Groundhog to not see it's shadow and forecast 5 more weeks of winter. (Luckily, this year, we are safe!)

You may already know, but February is National Heart Month which is sponsored by The American Heart Association. But what is less commonly known and talked about is the connection between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Heart Disease. We should be talking about this link more often because studies have shown that the leading cause of death for CKD is actually Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). 

Let me explain...

Your kidneys are responsible for several key functions in the body including waste elimination, electrolyte and fluid balance, bone health maintenance, acid base balance, red blood cell production, and blood pressure regulation. Out of these essential functions, more than half directly effect your heart health. 

The Heart-Kidney Connection:

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): CKD and heart disease often share a common risk factor: hypertension. When the kidneys lose their ability to regulate blood pressure effectively, it can lead to high blood pressure. Persistent hypertension, in turn, places additional strain on the heart, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance: As CKD progresses, the kidneys struggle to maintain the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. This imbalance can affect the heart's beat rhythm, potentially leading to irregular heartbeats and other cardiovascular complications.

3. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: CKD is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can have systemic effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system. Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. Bone Health Maintenance: The kidneys process vitamin D into it's active form to regulate healthy bone turnover (buildup and breakdown of bone tissues). When this process is altered, bone breakdown occurs at a faster rate then buildup. The extra bone minerals, calcium phosphate crystals, circulate and deposit onto soft tissues and blood vessels leading to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). Both conditions increase risk of heart attack and stroke.  

Luckily, managing one condition effectively involves addressing the risk factors associated with both. Often my clients worry about having to follow multiple restrictive diets to manage their complex health issues, but that is not the case for CKD and CAD. A kidney-friendly diet IS a heart healthy diet - hooray! 

1. Plant-based Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-proteins is both kidney and heart protective. Plant-proteins pack extra fiber and less saturated fats then their animal protein alternatives helping to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. 

2. Blood Pressure Control: Regular monitoring and effective management of blood pressure are crucial in preventing further damage to both the kidneys and the heart.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress reduction, regular exercise, and smoking cessation, can positively impact both CKD and heart disease.

4. Medication Management: Medications that target blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar can be essential in controlling the progression of CKD and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

5. Regular Monitoring: Routine check-ups and monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health are vital for early detection and intervention.

Now that you know about and understand this important link, you can do something about it! Think about the information discussed above. Is there one healthy lifestyle habit you have been wanting to improve upon? Taking small steps lead to big health improvements. So please don't get overwhelmed! Choose one area to improve at a time to have small sustainable changes over time. And of course, if you need help - I've got you covered!