The prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in the general population. The contribution of atherosclerosis to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in such patients has been confirmed by imaging and morphologic studies as well as interventional studies.1–3 The incidence of atherosclerosis increases with age in all individuals. CKD enhances its incidence, although it does not appear to specifically induce it.1–3 Although CVD represents 50% of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD overall, atherosclerosis-related events including coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease are responsible for only approximately 30% of CVD in them.
Kidney International published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 18 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on The management of chronic kidney disease–associated cardiovascular complications should go beyond the management of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
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