Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular (heart) disease is a long-term health condition that worsens over time and weakens the heart muscle and blood vessels in the heart. Patients with kidney disease have an increased risk for heart disease. Kidney patients that also have diabetes or high blood pressure carry an even greater risk.

Heart Disease Related to Kidney Disease

People with chronic kidney disease or end stage renal disease are at greatest risk for developing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). LVH is an abnormal enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart and a thickening of the heart muscle. The left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood from the heart to the organs of the body. LVH can worsen existing heart disease and cause heart failure and sudden death. High blood pressure and anemia are risk factors for LVH.

The Effects of Diabetes and Kidney Disease on the Heart

People with both diabetes and kidney disease tend to be overweight, have high blood pressure, and have a build up of fat and cholesterol in their arteries. Each of these causes the heart to work harder and can lead to heart damage or even a heart attack.

The Effects of High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease on the Heart

When blood pressure within the blood vessels is too high, the heart has to pump harder than normal to keep the blood circulating to the body. This causes the heart to get larger and weaker, which can lead to congestive heart failure.

The Effects of Anemia and Kidney Disease on the Heart

People with kidney disease are at an increased risk for anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells. As the heart pumps blood throughout the body, the red blood cells carry the oxygen necessary to nourish all of the body’s tissues. When there are not enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen, the heart works harder as it tries to get oxygen to other parts of the body to keep the body functioning. This stress on the heart can lead to a thickening of the heart tissue and other heart problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heart disease vary from person to person with some experiencing no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heart beat
• Weight gain
• Swelling of the ankles and feet
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Maintaining a healthy heart is important for people living with kidney disease. The following will help you maintain a healthy heart:

• Follow a heart healthy diet prescribed by your physician including reducing fat intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow a physician approved exercise regimen
• Control your blood pressure
• Reduce stress
• Take medications as prescribed
• Stop smoking