What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are described as problems with the heart and blood vessels throughout the body, including brain, lungs, and legs. Heart and blood vessel diseases are common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Over time, the build-up of cells, fats, and cholesterol may cause blockage to the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart and brain. This reduction in blood flow may possibly cause heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Heart and Blood Vessel Diseases

Here are some of the most common cardiovascular diseases to watch closely for.

Coronary artery disease: This is the most common form of heart disease. It affects the blood vessels of the heart, and causes angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.

Left ventricular hypertrophy: This is a condition where the muscle on the left side of the heart becomes thicker and causes inefficiency in pumping.

Heart failure: The heart is not able to pump blood around the body as well as it should. Heart failure develops slowly over time. It can have a large impact on the ability to perform daily activities.

Stroke: This is described as the sudden loss of brain function due to lack of blood flow to the brain. A stroke may be caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain from a broken blood vessel.

Do dialysis patients have an increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease?

Yes. Dialysis patients are much more likely than the general population to develop heart and blood vessel disease. This increased risk is related to kidney disease and other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. For this reason, it’s very important for dialysis patients to take note of the following steps that will help prevent heart and blood vessel problems.

How do I keep my heart healthy while on kidney dialysis?