Promoting kidney health in cardiovascular disease: part one

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is increasing in both developed and developing countries. Many of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important that cardiac nurses use the three levels of prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary) to reduce the prevalence of chronic kidney disease when caring for patients. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle, coupled with an adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, is key to primary prevention. As part of secondary prevention, screening for chronic kidney disease is necessary for high-risk groups, such as patients with diabetes and hypertension, and those who take nephrotoxic drugs. Finally, tertiary prevention aims to reduce the impact of both chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease on outcomes and quality of life, and can include cardiac rehabilitation. This article is the first of two-part series on the interrelationship between chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Part one of this series will address the importance of promoting kidney health in adults living with cardiovascular disease, while part two will discuss how nurses can help patients to live well with these conditions.