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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
[ADPKD and Heart]
Francesca Liut1, Claudia Izzi1, Nadia Dallera1
1Seconda U.O. di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Università di Brescia, Italy.
Insights
Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is an inherited kidney disease affecting the heart and blood vessels. Early hypertension management with ACE inhibitors or ARBs can reduce cardiovascular risks in ADPKD patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most prevalent inherited renal disorder, stemming from mutations in PKD1 or PKD2.
- ADPKD is a systemic condition impacting kidneys, liver, heart, and vasculature, leading to cyst formation and renal parenchyma destruction.
- Cardiovascular complications, including hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, are frequent in ADPKD patients, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- This review focuses on the cardiovascular manifestations in patients diagnosed with ADPKD.
- To highlight the importance of managing hypertension in ADPKD to mitigate cardiovascular risks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on ADPKD and its cardiovascular implications.
- Analysis of current treatment guidelines for hypertension in ADPKD patients.
Main Results:
- Hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular issue in ADPKD, increasing the risk of serious complications.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy, valvular abnormalities, and intracranial aneurysms are common extrarenal manifestations.
- ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists are recommended as first-line antihypertensive agents.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of hypertension is crucial for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in ADPKD.
- Targeted antihypertensive therapies can improve cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with ADPKD.
- Further research into the specific cardiovascular risks and management strategies for ADPKD is warranted.
Abstract:
Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease ( ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disease. ADPKD is caused by mutations in PKD1 and PKD2, encoding polycystin 1 and 2, respectively. ADPKD is a systemic disease, with renal and extrarenal involvement. Renal disease is characterized by formation and growth of cysts, with progressive destruction of renal parenchyma and development of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in about 50% of affected individuals at the age of 60 years. Extrarenal disease usually involves the liver, heart and vasculature. Cardiovascular manifestations occur in a high percentage of patients with ADPKD, including hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac valvular abnormalities, and intracranial aneurysms. An early treatment of hypertension may decreased the risk of cardiovascular complications, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The antihypertensive agents of choice should be ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists. In this review, we will focuses on the cardiovascular problems of patients with ADPKD.
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