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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
[Chronic kidney disease and the cardiovascular system]
J Mann1, K F Hilgers, R Veelken
1Klinik für Nieren-, Hochdruck-, und Rheumakrankheiten, Klinikum Schwabing, Kölner Platz 1, 80804, München, Germany. Johannes.Mann@kms.mhn.de
Insights
Patients with chronic kidney disease face significantly higher cardiovascular risk, with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) being a key indicator. Kidney function directly impacts survival rates in cardiac patients, highlighting the link between renal and cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology and Cardiology
- Renal Medicine
- Cardiovascular Science
Context:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly elevates cardiovascular risk.
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a primary measure of renal insufficiency.
- Hypertension and diabetes mellitus exacerbate cardiovascular risk in CKD patients.
Purpose:
- To highlight the independent risk factor of renal insufficiency for cardiovascular events.
- To establish GFR as a critical prognostic factor for survival in patients with manifest cardiac insufficiency or coronary heart disease.
- To underscore the correlation between proteinuria/albuminuria and cardiovascular risk.
Summary:
- CKD patients exhibit a 1.5 to 1,000-fold increased cardiovascular risk, directly related to decreased GFR.
- Renal insufficiency is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, especially when co-occurring with hypertension or diabetes.
- Proteinuria and albuminuria are significant markers correlating with cardiovascular risk, while endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis are implicated pathophysiological mechanisms.
Impact:
- Emphasizes the critical role of GFR monitoring in managing cardiovascular risk in CKD.
- Provides insights into the pathophysiological links between kidney disease and cardiovascular events.
- Supports the need for integrated care approaches for patients with co-existing renal and cardiovascular conditions.
Abstract:
Depending on the reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as a measure of renal insufficiency and depending on their age, patients with chronic kidney disease have a 1.5 to 1,000-fold higher cardiovascular risk. Renal insufficiency is inherently an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, which is likewise the case for patients also presenting with hypertension or diabetes mellitus. When cardiac insufficiency or coronary heart disease is already manifest, the GFR is the most important predictive factor for the patients' further survival. Proteinuria or albuminuria as signs of kidney disease are also important markers and correlate with the cardiovascular risk in the range of both macro- and microalbuminuria. Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and increased atherosclerosis are being discussed as pathophysiological mechanisms of elevated cardiovascular risk.
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Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Diabetic Nephropathy
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
