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The Heart & Kidney Health Connection
When it comes to health, the kidneys work hand-in-hand with your heart. As your heart pumps oxygen-rich blood, your kidneys step in to clean it, removing waste and excess water. Their collaboration extends to controlling blood pressure, supporting bone health, producing red blood cells, and maintaining mineral balance.
Shared Risk Factors
Heart and kidney disease also share common risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Recognizing these shared risks emphasizes the importance of a big-picture approach to wellness, focusing on both heart and kidney health.
Measuring Kidney Health
To determine kidney health, your healthcare team might start with a creatinine test to check how well your kidneys are filtering this normal waste product from your blood. Your creatinine levels, together with your age and gender, determine your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A normal eGFR indicates healthy kidney function, while a reduced eGFR may signal kidney disease. A decreased eGFR is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Monitoring kidney health is crucial, especially for individuals with shared risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Regular assessments contribute to early detection and proactive management of both kidney and heart health.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Care Access is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.