Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease: Data from the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are leading joint risk factors for both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the nationwide KEEP (Kidney Early Evaluation Program) an estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a urine albumin:creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g (3.4 mg/mmol) defines CKD. Overall in KEEP, the rates of identified CKD and self-reported CVD are 25.7% and 22.1%, respectively. The presence of CKD has been associated with younger ages of self-reported myocardial infarction and stroke. The combination of CVD and CKD in KEEP has been associated with shorter survival time. Finally, the presence of CVD or a prior history of coronary revascularization has been associated with modestly better rates of CVD risk factor control; however, the majority of patients with CKD have suboptimally controlled blood pressure, glucose, or lipids. These data suggest that patients with CKD are not only at higher risk for CVD and subsequent mortality, but are also ideal for targeted community—and practice-based interventions to improve risk factor control and, hopefully, reduce rates of subsequent cardiovacular events.