It’s a known fact that people with chronic kidney disease are at an exponentially higher risk for heart failure and infection as per the results of a new study which followed approximately half a million patients. according to a new study of nearly half a million patients.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said their study emphasized the great need for improved preventive measures and earlier detection of CKD. The study, having examined data from both the control group of patients with chronic kidney disease and the comparison group without the disease and found the main difference between the two groups was a much higher prevalence of heart disease, and subsequently, heart failure in the CKD group. Some other health issues which the CKD group faced at a higher rate were urinary tract infections, acute kidney injury and pneumonia. 

One of the best things to do to reduce heart failure risk in kidney disease patients, according to the lead researchers was to offer more education about dietary salt restriction and the necessity of proper adherence to medications. 

In terms of the prevalence of hospitalization resulting from infections among CKD patients, proper and prompt care with antibiotics and improved vaccination availability was the recommended solution. 

So, what should your General Practitioner be looking for if you do have chronic kidney disease?

• Your GP should always be monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure. She or he should also be recommending specific diets for you based on your risk factor and family history of cardiovascular disease.

• Infections should always be treated promptly and measures should be taken to boost your immune system as much as possible with foods rich in vitamin C to prevent such things from occurring.
  
• If you take antibiotics for an infection make sure to take a good quality probiotic to replenish the good bacteria. That is killed off by the antibiotics and to avoid any antibiotic side effects. 

• Your doctor should also always evaluate the list of drugs you are taking. Checking for any contraindications or adjusting levels as they see fit. 

• Your doctor should be checking your vitamin d level especially in chronic kidney disease. Also, you should be referred to a good cardiologist when CKD is present. Even if your general practitioner feels everything is under control. In this case, a pinch of prevention is worth much more than a pound of cure.

If you’d like to learn more about chronic kidney disease study results and about how to better manage your kidney disease along with the complications that arise from living with CKD, be sure to check out our main article section and YouTube for informative videos about a wide range of kidney disease topics.