Cause 13. Chronic Kidney Disease: An Underestimated Contributor
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an under-recognized cause of heart disease. While it might seem unrelated, CKD can have significant implications for heart health and is often linked to increased heart disease risk.
Firstly, CKD can lead to changes in the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, leading to high blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease. Additionally, CKD can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), which makes the heart work harder to deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues, leading to an enlarged heart and heart failure over time.
Moreover, individuals with CKD often have high levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that’s been linked to heart disease. Elevated homocysteine can damage the lining of arteries and promote blood clot formation, leading to heart disease.
Finally, CKD can lead to mineral and bone disorders, which can result in the calcification of blood vessels, including those in the heart. This calcification can harden and narrow blood vessels, impeding blood flow and leading to heart disease.
Thus, CKD, though not a traditional risk factor, significantly contributes to heart disease, emphasizing the interconnected nature of our body systems. (13)
