Researchers are warning patients who have chronic kidney issues are ten times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared with the general population. Kidneys filter the blood of wastes and toxins, allowing them to be expelled through urine. There is no cure, except for transplant. Kidney Issues affect 10% to 13% of the adult population. Those with the condition are at a
higher risk of cardiovascular complications and premature death.
A recent study containing combined data from 3 cardiovascular cohort studies in the United States (ARIC, MESA, and CHS) involved 27,271 participants. Kidney function categories were 60 or higher, 45 to less than 60, and less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 for estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Researchers found following the recommended lifestyle behaviors was associated with lower risks for all-cause mortality. This was regardless of the patient’s eGFR. Patients who had never smoked were 54% less likely to die. A body mass index (BMI) of at least 18.5 but less than 30 kg/m2 was associated with a 16% lower risk of death. Those who consumed little or no daily alcohol were significantly associated 13% less likely to die.
Those with a diet score of 2 or higher were 7% less likely to die. Even moderate physical activity was significantly associated with a 20% lower death risk. When
patients followed all 5 lifestyle behaviors, they reduced the risk of death by 52%.
Results were similar when looking at cardiovascular events. Endpoints for cardiovascular events included major coronary event such as myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, or revascularization procedure such as coronary angioplasty.
Additionally, ischemic stroke, and heart failure events were also considered. Regardless of eGFR, patients who did not smoke and engaged in even moderate amount of physical activity were 38% and 15% to end up with major coronary events. Additionally, they were 52% and 14% reduced risk of heart failure events. Patients had a 20% decreased risk of ischemic stroke among those with an eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher if they included moderate to vigorous physical activity in their lives.
For more of the latest studies relating to kidney health, be sure to check out the Healthy Kidney Inc. YouTube.
