Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

People with CKD are at increased risk for CVD. Most patients with CKD die of CVD-related complications than progress to ESRD.

Preventive strategies for CVD and CKD overlap. Blood pressure control and glucose control are paramount. Additionally, lipid control may be important to prevent CVD. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should be lowered with diet, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapy. The target level for LDL cholesterol has not been established specifically for CKD. Inflammation may be a key factor raising cardiovascular risk in CKD.

Non-traditional risk factors for CVD include albuminuria, anemia and abnormal metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Patients with CKD are in the high-risk category for CVD risk factor management.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) therapy is recommended unless otherwise contraindicated for those with CKD.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease is funding the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) StudyExternal Link Disclaimer, which is investigating the link between CVD and CKD, examining risk factors for progression of CKD and the occurrence of CVD among patients with CKD. Insights from CRIC are likely to inform revisions to treatment guidelines for risk factor reduction