04/28/2025
The human body is not just a conglomeration of organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, brain, and so forth; it is a symphony in which each organ works in unison to sustain us. However, among all of these, the kidneys silently assume a crucial role that is often overlooked until something goes wrong. Have you ever noticed that, in everyday conversations, people are more afraid of dialysis than nearly every other medical procedure? Perhaps they are right to be concerned.
The body's master regulators, the kidneys retain vital minerals, filter toxins, and balance fluids. Every system in the body is impacted by their malfunction, which has a cascading effect. Nothing functions exactly the same when kidneys start to fail: blood pressure increases, toxins accumulate, and excessive fatigue takes over. Furthermore, dialysis is a life-saving measure but not a treatment. This explains the need for early detection, proactive treatment, and an awareness of diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The entire body suffers when the kidneys are damaged.
Senior Consultant-Nephrologist & Renal Transplant Specialist Dr. Luvdeep Dogra of Eternal Hospital highlights the importance of changing our perspective from one of "crisis care" to one of "preventive care".
What is the Correlation of Heart & Kidney Function?
The heart and kidneys are closely related, and when one fails, the other equally and simultaneously suffers. While hypertension and diabetes are major heart risk factors and the leading causes of kidney disease, patients often ignore early signs.
Hypertension and diabetes are the most common causes of renal disease and also important cardiac risk factors. Unfortunately, patients often overlook early signals. Urine protein levels, an early indicator of kidney impairment, are frequently overlooked. Still, we regularly get hemoglobin and cholesterol levels checked but not urine protein.
But controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and keeping an eye out for protein in the urine can protect both heart and kidney health and improve overall well-being.
What is the Impact of Heart Disease on Kidneys?
Heart failure has been identified as a major risk factor for renal disease in relatively recent studies. When the heart can no longer pump blood effectively, it becomes jammed with blood, which puts pressure on the major vein that supplies the kidneys and causes blood to block the kidneys as well. The reduced circulation of blood enriched with oxygen also affects the kidney function.
In an effort to boost the blood flow to the kidneys, the hormone system, which controls blood pressure, goes into overdrive when the kidneys are damaged. As a result of the increased effort, the heart eventually suffers from having to pump against increased artery pressure.
If your doctor thinks you could have heart problems, he/she will evaluate your kidney function also. A simple blood test can determine whether there is an elevated amount of creatinine, a waste product typically generated by the kidneys, indicating damage. In order to further assess the structure and function of their kidneys, some patients might additionally require an ultrasound or CT scan.
What Signs Indicate Kidney Damage?
Worldwide, one in eight individuals is affected by CKD. Yet, early symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general fatigue until the condition progresses. By the time multiple organs are affected, treatment becomes far more challenging. Early awareness, regular screening, and proactive care are key to preventing serious outcomes.
One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing kidney disease is its silent progression. Contrary to the common belief that kidney problems begin with low urine output or swelling, early-stage kidney disease often presents with subtle, overlooked symptoms. Recognizing these signs early can help delay or even prevent the need for dialysis.
Early signs may include:
- Lethargy and constant tiredness
- Unwillingness to work or focus
- Frequent urination at night
- Pale appearance over time
- Breathlessness on mild exertion
Later signs may develop as the disease progresses:
- Swelling (edema), especially around the legs
- Nausea or vomiting
What are the Treatment Options for End-Stage Kidney Disease?
The treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) primarily focuses on addressing its root causes—most commonly, uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. With aggressive management and timely adjustments in therapy, patients can reduce their medication load and significantly enhance their quality of life. Two life saving procedures for end-stage kidney disease are:
- Dialysis: Unfortunately, many patients delay dialysis—not because of the disease itself, but due to fear and misconceptions. However, dialysis is not a sign of failure. Rather, it is a life-sustaining treatment that supports the body when the kidneys can no longer function effectively. So, what exactly is dialysis? It is a therapeutic procedure designed to remove toxic waste products and excess fluid from the body. Each session lasts about 3–4 hours and, contrary to popular belief, it is neither painful nor prohibitively expensive. The hesitation often stems from the fact that dialysis is ongoing and not a cure—but it serves as a vital bridge to stability, or in some cases, a kidney transplant.
- Kidney Transplant: When it comes to transplants, another set of fears arises. “Isn’t that the last resort, doctor?” people ask. But the truth is, transplant is not painful, costly, or overly complex. The real barrier is misinformation, which leads to unnecessary delays in life-saving decisions.
Tips to Lower the Risk of Heart And Kidney Damage
Better kidney health begins with early actions such as:
- Start Early: Timely involvement with a nephrologist plays a crucial role in managing kidney disease effectively.
- Address Root Causes: Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension is key to slowing kidney damage.
- Lifestyle Matters: Adopting healthy habits—such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress reduction—supports better outcomes.
- Eat Smart: A kidney-friendly diet promotes well-being and prevents complications. While we personalize plans for each patient, the general dietary principles include:
- Low-salt, high-fibre meals
- Plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fresh salads
- Regulated dairy intake based on individual tolerance
- Strict avoidance of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
- Hydration with Care: Water intake is adjusted according to the patient's volume status to avoid fluid overload or dehydration.
Conclusion
Consider your important organs to be key cities connected by a network of highways and primary roadways, known as arteries and veins. When one component fails, other components frequently fail as well. This is especially true for the heart and kidneys, which operate so closely together. With the right approach, heart and kidney patients can enjoy a better quality of life, improved productivity, and a more purposeful daily routine.
For personalised expert care and guidance on interrelated heart and kidney disorders, connect with Dr. Luvdeep Dogra from Eternal Hospital. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: Does heart disease truly lead to renal failure?
A: Yes. Conditions such as heart failure or persistent hypertension can restrict blood supply to the kidneys over time, resulting in chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or kidney failure.
Q2: What are the warning signals of renal problems in cardiac patients?
A: Watch for exhaustion, nighttime urination, leg edema, eye puffiness, and shortness of breath.
Q3: What factors raise the risk of heart and renal problems?
A: Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes. Smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles all increase the risk.