Management of cardiovascular disease in the renal transplant recipient

RTRs are at high risk for ischemic heart disease and heart failure. Although some differences pertain, most of the major risk factors are similar to those in the general population. It is highly probable that interventions of proven benefit in the general population will also be of benefit in RTRs. A combination of lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation, maintenance of ideal bodyweight, healthy diet), aggressive blood pressure control (<130/80 mm Hg), use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, lipid lowering with statins, antiplatelet therapy for diabetics and those with established coronary disease, and beta blockers for CHF or after myocardial infarction is likely to have a major benefit on patient survival and cardiac morbidity among transplant recipients. Coronary revascularization should be considered for the same indications as in the general population.