Cardiovascular risk reduction and preservation of renal function in the early nephropathy patient

The obesity pandemic is driving secondary epidemics of type II diabetes and hypertension, resulting in rising rates of patients with early nephropathy at risk for cardiovascular disease. Estimation of glomerular filtration rate and assessment of microalbuminuria are key screening measures for this patient population. Combined with reduction of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, reducing the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease is expected to have an additive beneficial effect in this population. This article reviews a common strategy for prevention of both cardiac and kidney endpoints in patients with early nephropathy.