Heart Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease
When your kidneys are not working as they normally should, you may develop problems with your heart. And the reverse is true, if your heart is not working properly, you may develop problems with your kidneys.What is Heart Disease?
Heart disease is a general term used to describe various conditions that affect the heart including the heart valves, heart rhythms, and blood vessels connected to the heart. The following conditions are considered heart disease:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Atherosclerosis (high cholesterol - plaque deposits on the walls of the blood vessels connected to the heart)
- Heart Failure (the heart is not pumping as well as it should)
- Heart Attack (a blood vessel connected to the heart becomes blocked with plaque)
- Arrhythmia’s (Improper beating of the heart, fast or slow)
- Coronary Artery Disease (damage or disease in the heart’s major blood vessels)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (a circulatory condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood to the limbs)
The heart is a pump and a muscle. The heart may become tired over time from pumping against plaque buildup and hardened arteries. This can lead to:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- A stroke
- A heart attack
- And even death
How will I know if I have heart disease? Some symptoms include the following:
How to prevent heart disease and prevent the progression of CKD
Healthy Start = Healthy Heart
Daily Check-in and check off. Did I remember to?
- Check blood pressure:
____/ _____ - Take medication
- 30 minute walk
- At least one healthy meal / snack a day
- Drink Water
Heart Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease can both be a cause and a consequence of each other!
I was told I have high blood pressure (one of the most common conditions of heart disease). How do I monitor my high blood pressure?
Controlling blood pressure is one of the most important goals when it comes to managing heart disease and kidney disease. Discuss the following with your healthcare provider:
- Know your target blood pressure goals
- How often should you check your blood pressure
- What time of day should check your blood pressure (morning, night)
- Record your blood pressure readings
- Take medication consistently
What is the best way to prevent or manage heart disease?
The BIG 3 Require close monitoring to prevent heart disease
What are common complications of CKD that can lead to heart disease?
