Heart and Kidney

Clinical Cardiology, pp. 165–177

Abstract

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases and their consequences myocardial infarction, heart failure, valve diseases, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Although the incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases are already increased in patients with early stages of kidney insufficiency (CKD 1–3) compared to the general population, patients with advanced kidney insufficiency have a significantly increased morbidity and mortality risk. In these patients, cardiovascular diseases—and not kidney failure—are the leading causes of death. Regarding the diagnostic possibilities for the detection of cardiovascular diseases, the currently used methods are limited in their informative value in CKD. Similarly, there are limitations in the therapeutic options, as patients with advanced kidney disease are often excluded from clinical studies.

Authors 3

1. Nikolaus Marx corresponding
2. Jürgen Floege Aachen Clinic for Kidney and Hypertension Diseases Rheumatological and Immunological Diseases (Medical Clinic II)

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Kidney and Hypertension Diseases, Rheumatological and Immunological Diseases (Med. Clinic II), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany

3. Michael Böhm

   Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany