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Updated: May 28, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
[Assessment of renal function, iatrogenic hyperkalemia and acute renal dysfunction in cardiology. Contrast-induced
José Luis Górriz Teruel1, Sandra Beltrán Catalán
1Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, España. jlgorriz@senefro.org
Insights
Cardiovascular disease patients with renal impairment face worse outcomes. Early detection of kidney dysfunction and proactive management of risks like contrast-induced nephrotoxicity are crucial for better cardiovascular event prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Vascular Biology
Context:
- Renal impairment significantly impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) prognosis and elevates cardiovascular risk.
- Renal dysfunction serves as an indicator of broader vascular tree lesions, aiding in early identification of high-risk individuals for cardiovascular events.
Purpose:
- To highlight the importance of assessing renal function in cardiovascular patients.
- To recommend validated formulas for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- To emphasize the need for prevention strategies against contrast-induced nephrotoxicity and drug-induced renal complications.
Summary:
- Assessing renal function in CVD patients involves measuring albuminuria and estimating GFR using formulas like CKD-EPI or MDRD.
- Awareness of potential acute renal dysfunction or hyperkalemia from renin-angiotensin system blockers is vital for prevention.
- Identifying risk factors for contrast-induced nephrotoxicity is essential given its prevalence in cardiology.
Impact:
- Improved patient outcomes through early detection and management of renal dysfunction in cardiovascular settings.
- Enhanced prevention strategies for iatrogenic kidney injury, particularly contrast-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Better risk stratification and personalized treatment approaches for cardiovascular patients with comorbid renal disease.
Abstract:
Renal impairment influences the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease and increases cardiovascular risk. Renal dysfunction is a marker of lesions in other parts of the vascular tree and detection facilitates early identification of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events. In patients with cardiovascular disease, renal function is assessed by measuring albuminuria in a spot urine sample and by estimating the glomerular filtration rate using creatinine-derived predictive formulas or equations. We recommend the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas. The Cockcroft-Gault formula is a possible alternative. The administration of drugs that block the angiotensin-renin system can, on occasion, be associated with acute renal dysfunction or hyperkalemia. We need to know when risk of these complications exists so as to provide the best possible treatment: prevention. Given the growing number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the field of cardiology that use intravenous contrast media, contrast-induced nephrotoxicity represents a significant problem. We should identify the risk factors and patients at greatest risk, and prevent it from appearing.
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