Cardiovascular Diseases Among Kidney Transplant Recipients at National Guard Hospital-Jeddah

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the second leading cause of death among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). CVD risks post-transplantation increase with aging, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, inactivity, sleep disturbances, immunosuppressant medications use, and graft dysfunction. This study assessed CVD prevalence and risk factors among KTRs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at National Guard Hospital, Jeddah between 2012-2022. Information was collected from the patients' medical records. Physical activity, sleep, and adherence to immunosuppressant therapy were evaluated via interviews with adult KTRs using the International Physical Activity Scale, Jenkins Sleep Scale, and Immunosuppressant Therapy Barrier Adherence Scale, respectively. Results: Sixty-four KTRs were included: 67% were males, and the median age was 44.7 years. Eighteen patients (28.1%) had CVD, and 61.1% of them developed ischemic heart disease. KTRs with CVD were older, had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and higher Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), but these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Patients with CVD had significantly lower LDL (p = 0.02) and more aspirin and statin use (p < 0.05). Forty-five patients (70.3%) completed the interview; most of them had few sleep disturbances and good adherence to immunosuppressant therapy. Low physical activity was reported by KTRs with CVD. Conclusions: CVD was present in over one-quarter of KTRs. Patients with CVD were older, less active, had lower GFR, higher HbA1c, and significantly lower LDL. More use of aspirin and statin improved the glycemic control, physical activity, and medication adherence, and may help in reducing CVD burden among KTRs.