The Irish Kidney Association (IKA ) has joined forces with a local heart and stroke charity to highlight the link between heart and kidney health.
The IKA, Croi, the Irish Heart Foundation, and the National Renal Office (NRO ) aims to heighten awareness about the close connection between heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
Heart health and kidney health are closely related because the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body including the kidneys, which in turn control blood pressure, and clean the blood (removing waste products ). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD ) can cause heart disease and vice versa, making it important to understand the relationship between these two conditions and ways to reduce the risks associated with them.
Known as the “hidden disease”, one in eight people has chronic kidney disease (CKD ), with many unaware they have it. While only one in 1,000 people will reach end stage kidney disease (ESKD ), for which the only treatment is conservative care, dialysis, or a kidney transplant, those with any of the five stages of CKD are at risk of developing heart disease. Conservative estimates are that at least 50 per cent of those with CKD stages four or five, have cardiac disease and at least 50 per cent of those with heart failure have CKD.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of both chronic kidney and heart disease. Even without these conditions, CKD can increase the risk of heart problems, and heart disease can lead to kidney problems. CKD is often associated with anaemia, which reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, putting extra strain on the heart.
To reduce the risk of both kidney and heart disease, it is important to follow a healthy diet, be physically active, and stay engaged with your own healthcare, says a spokesperson for the IKA.
“Knowing your numbers, such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight can help detect any changes that may indicate a problem. Regular check-ups with your doctor, attending specialists’ appointments when scheduled, and knowing when to seek urgent medical attention are also important. Understanding your own medications and ensuring your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all of the medications you take to avoid side effects are also key.”
Neil Johnson, the CEO of Croí, said it is important to highlight the significant interdependent relationship between our hearts and kidneys.
“Keeping our hearts healthy helps keep our kidneys healthy and vice versa. Maintaining good cardiovascular health such as having a balanced and healthy diet, achieving healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, taking regular exercise, and having a healthy weight are all linked to a healthy heart and reducing the risk of kidney disease. It is important for people to know that heart health and kidney health are inextricably linked.”
