Cardiovascular diseases in kidney transplant recipients: The role of anemia

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality and death associated graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. Recently, there has been an increased awareness of the potential role of nontraditional risk factors such as anemia in contributing to the increased burden of cardiovascular diseases in kidney transplant recipients. Studies that are primarily based on retrospective data analyses have shown an association between anemia and cardiovascular outcomes. These findings underscore the need for prospective studies to better understand these risks and to implement management strategies that would have a positive impact on patient and graft outcomes. On the basis of the available data, this article reviews the magnitude of cardiovascular diseases and anemia in kidney transplant recipients with a focus on the role of anemia on cardiovascular outcomes in these patients. (C) 2004 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.