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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Insights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is rising globally. This review suggests age-related kidney decline may stem from vascular aging, proposing "Cardio-Kidney-Damage" (C-K-D) as a more accurate definition.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Global increase in Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence.
- Debate exists whether this reflects true incidence increase or population aging.
- Age-related kidney function decline is often assumed physiological.
Purpose of the Study:
- Reconcile differing views on CKD prevalence increase.
- Investigate the link between vascular aging and kidney function decline.
- Propose a new definition for age-related kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of the relationship between vascular aging, atherosclerosis, and kidney health.
- Conceptual re-framing of age-related kidney disease.
Main Results:
- Age-related kidney function decline may not be purely physiological.
- Diffuse vascular aging and atherosclerosis significantly impact kidney function.
- These vascular changes affect multiple organs, including the kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Age-related kidney disease is potentially a manifestation of systemic vascular aging.
- The term Cardio-Kidney-Damage (C-K-D) is proposed as a more fitting descriptor.
- This reframing emphasizes the cardiovascular component of age-related kidney issues.
Abstract:
The perceived prevalence of Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the increase worldwide. This has led to considerable debate and controversy as some believe such an increase reflects a genuine increase in the incidence and prevalence of CKD whilst others perceive it to be the result of the ageing of the population with the inherent decline in kidney function associated with advancing age. This review tries to reconcile both views drawing attention to the fact that the age-related decline in kidney function may not be physiological but instead a manifestation of diffuse vascular ageing and atherosclerosis affecting a number of endorgans including the kidneys. Consequently, the so-call age-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be better defined as Cardio-Kidney-Damage (C-K-D).
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