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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Effects of glomerular filtration rate on the severity of coronary heart disease
Berkay Ekici1, Aslı Tanındı2, Irmak Sayın3
1Department of Cardiology, Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. berkay.ekici@gmail.com.
Insights
Reduced kidney function, measured by estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), is linked to more severe coronary heart disease (CHD). This finding highlights eGFR as a key indicator for cardiovascular risk assessment in patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the standard measure for kidney function and disease staging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between renal function and the severity of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- 918 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography were included.
- GFR was estimated using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula.
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) severity was assessed using the SYNTAX score.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant negative correlation (p<0.001, r=-0.268) was observed between MDRD-estimated GFR and SYNTAX score.
- Patients with more severe CHD (higher SYNTAX scores) exhibited lower estimated GFR values.
- Lower renal function was associated with the presence and severity of angiographic CHD.
Conclusions:
- Renal function is a crucial predictor of the presence and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients without severe kidney impairment.
- The negative correlation between MDRD and SYNTAX score suggests that GFR is a valuable marker for cardiovascular risk.
- This simple biochemical test can aid in routine clinical practice for assessing cardiovascular disease risk alongside other factors.
Objective:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered to be one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best method of testing level of kidney function and determining stage of kidney disease. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of renal function on severity of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Methods:
The present study included 918 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. GFR was evaluated by simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula (mL/min/1.73 m2). The extent and severity of CHD were evaluated according to SYNTAX score.
Results:
According to SYNTAX score, 416 patients had normal coronary arteries or nonsignificant CHD (control group), 267 had mild CHD (SYNTAX score: 1-22), 129 had moderate CHD (SYNTAX score: 23-32), and 106 had severe CHD (SYNTAX score: ≥33). Estimated GFR values (median [25th-75th percentiles]) were 99.00 (83.00-116.00) in the control group, 85.00 (73.00-101.00) in the mild CHD group, 87.00 (73.25-101.75) in the moderate CHD group, and 81.00 (65.00-101.00) in the severe CHD group. According to Spearman's rank correlation analysis, a negative correlation found between MDRD and SYNTAX score was statistically significant (p<0.001, r=-0.268).
Conclusion:
Renal function is an important predictor of presence and severity of angiographic CHD in patients without severe renal impairment. Negative correlation between MDRD and SYNTAX score was determined. This simple biochemical test can be used in determining risk of cardiovascular disease aside from other risk factors during routine clinical practice.
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