Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

34.2K

Chronic Kidney Disease and Atrial Fibrillation: A Contemporary Overview

Nitin Kulkarni1, Nilusha Gukathasan1, Samantha Sartori1

  • 1Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029.

Journal of Atrial Fibrillation
|May 13, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Antithrombotic therapy benefits require further study, especially in advanced renal failure.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases cardiovascular risks, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.
  • Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common arrhythmia, elevates stroke and mortality risk, with higher prevalence and incidence observed in patients with renal impairment.
  • Worsening renal function correlates with an increased risk of developing AF, suggesting a strong link between kidney health and cardiac rhythm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between CKD and AF, including potential underlying mechanisms.
  • To evaluate the current understanding of antithrombotic therapy's safety and efficacy in CKD patients with AF.
  • To identify knowledge gaps and the need for further research regarding anticoagulation in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing studies on CKD, AF, and antithrombotic therapy.
  • Analysis of potential pathophysiological links between renal impairment and atrial fibrillation.
  • Examination of data on the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation in CKD patients, considering varying degrees of renal function.

Main Results:

  • AF is more prevalent and incident in CKD patients, with risk increasing as kidney function declines.
  • Mechanisms linking CKD and AF may involve sympathetic overactivity, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, and cardiac remodeling.
  • While vitamin K antagonists show promise in mild-to-moderate CKD, the risk-benefit of anticoagulation in advanced renal failure and dialysis remains unclear.

Conclusions:

  • AF poses a significant risk for stroke and mortality in CKD patients, mirroring general population trends.
  • The safety and efficacy of antithrombotic treatments in CKD patients with AF are not well-established, particularly in advanced stages.
  • Prospective randomized trials are essential to determine the optimal antithrombotic strategy for reducing stroke risk in patients with comorbid AF and CKD.

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

84.6K
5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
872
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
539
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management01:18

Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management is essential for preventing complications, maintaining stability, and improving patients' quality of life in chronic kidney disease (CKD). By using a structured approach, nurses help slow CKD progression and support effective patient care​.1. Comprehensive patient assessmentEffective management begins with nurses reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying key risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug use. Nurses assess signs of...
489
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
807
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
397
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
416