HomeHealth articlesheart-kidney connectionWhat Is the Connection Between Heart and Kidney?

Understanding the Heart-Kidney Connection

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Two vital organs in the body are the kidneys and the heart. There exists a reciprocal relationship between the health of the kidneys and the heart.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Published At April 16, 2024
Reviewed AtApril 18, 2024

What Is the Function of the Heart?

The heart is a muscle that circulates oxygen-rich blood throughout the body's tissues. This function maintains the viability of every system, cell, and organ in the body. The blood vessels enable the heart to pump blood to every area of the human body. The heart, blood, and blood arteries collectively comprise what is known as "the cardiovascular system." The delivery system transports blood from the heart to every part of the body, carrying nutrients and oxygen. It also collects waste materials and transports them out of the body to eliminate them.

What Is the Function of the Kidney?

The two bean-shaped organs that make up the kidneys are typically the size of a fist. They are situated on the left and right of the spine, just below the rib cage. The kidneys perform the following tasks as potent chemical factories:

  • Clear the blood of impurities and excess moisture.

  • Aid in lowering blood pressure.

  • Aid in the production of red blood cells.

  • Maintain the proper ratio of minerals (such as potassium, phosphorus, and sodium) in the blood.

What Is the Connection Between the Heart and the Kidney?

The heart circulates oxygen-rich blood throughout the entire body, including the kidneys. Waste materials and excess water are eliminated from the blood by the kidneys. The blood would contain too much water and waste if the kidneys were not there. The kidneys would not have access to oxygen-rich blood for their vital functions if the heart were absent. The heart would not beat at all or beat too hard without the support of the kidneys. The kidneys cannot work properly unless the cardiovascular system is in good working order.

Researchers have been endeavoring to comprehend the evident correlation between renal dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders. Heart disease and kidney disease can result from abnormal heart or kidney function. It is critical to understand that having a renal illness can raise the risk of heart disease. The risk of renal disease can be directly impacted by heart illness. Several risk factors, including diabetes and high blood pressure, are also common in heart disease and renal disease.

How to Keep Heart and Kidneys Healthy?

One can maintain good kidney and heart health by following these suggestions. Before altering the food or way of life, one should always consult a healthcare professional.

  • If necessary, reduce the weight.

  • Consume less fat.

  • Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood fat levels.

  • Give up smoking.

  • Maintain a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mmHg or stay at or below the desired level.

  • Follow the physician's instructions and get the blood and urine examined regularly.

  • Aim to maintain cholesterol levels within a reasonable range. Discuss cholesterol level goals with a healthcare physician.

  • Engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily, seven days a week.

  • Take all medications exactly as directed.

  • Eat healthfully.

  • Minimize stress.

  • Remembering that what is good for the kidneys is also excellent for the heart is a good strategy to stay mindful of the relationship between the kidneys and the heart.

  • Maintaining the heart's health is beneficial to the condition of the kidneys.

Who Gets Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is more likely to occur in the case of:

  • Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, lupus, and kidney failure in a family member.

  • Heart disease, obesity, hereditary renal problems, a family history of chronic kidney disease, prior kidney damage, and advanced age are additional risk factors. Maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar control can support kidney health.

Who Gets Heart Disease?

Any issue that prevents the heart from pumping blood as efficiently as it should be considered heart disease. It could originate in the heart or blood vessels. Issues with the heart and blood vessels consist of:

  • Accumulation of plaque in the blood vessel walls.

  • A blood clot obstructing the heart's blood supply.

  • Heart attack damage is brought on by the heart receiving insufficient blood and oxygen.

There is an increased risk of heart disease in case of:

  • Smoking.

  • Eating a diet heavy in unhealthy fats.

  • Eating too much sodium.

  • Elevated blood pressure.

  • Excessive blood fat, diabetes, renal disease, and cholesterol.

  • An early history of heart disease in the family.

  • Being overweight.

  • Not exercising.

  • Being a man over 45 or being a woman over 55 years of age.

How to Diagnose Kidney and Heart Disease?

Blood and urine tests are used to diagnose renal disease. Both tests can be performed in a commercial facility or the physician's office.

  • The GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering, is measured during the blood test.

  • A urine test is used to test for albumin. When kidneys are injured, a protein called albumin can enter the urine.

  • Patients might need to have these tests repeated frequently if they reveal that they have renal disease.

Several standard tests for heart disease can be obtained in an outpatient facility or at the doctor's office, including:

  • Monitoring the blood pressure.

  • A cholesterol blood test and an ECG (echocardiogram) record the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating using sensors applied to the skin.

  • An additional stress test gauges the heart's response to exercise, such as riding a bike, walking, or running on a treadmill. Usually, a hospital or specialized outpatient facility conducts this test.

How to Treat Kidney and Heart Disease?

Leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial for treating heart disease and kidney disease. Maintaining an active lifestyle can assist in safeguarding the heart and kidneys. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Begin with simple exercises like raking leaves or taking gentle walks. Try some heart-pumping exercises later on, such as swimming or brisk walking. Consult a doctor before beginning a new fitness regimen.

The healthcare practitioner will advise controlling the blood pressure if one has high blood pressure and the blood glucose if one has diabetes in case of renal disease or heart disease. To control blood pressure and blood sugar, the physician may prescribe medication. Insulin injections and tablets are examples of medications used to manage blood sugar levels. Certain blood pressure medications may prevent the worsening of kidney condition.

Conclusion:

Heart disease is more likely to strike someone with kidney dysfunction. For those with kidney illness, heart disease is the leading cause of death. When kidney disease occurs, the kidneys are harmed and unable to filter blood as effectively as they should. Wastes may accumulate in the body as a result of this injury. Any issue that prevents the heart from pumping blood as efficiently as it should be considered heart disease.

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Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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