The human body is very complicated. While there are a number of organs in the body, each has a specific job to do, but they still rely on each other a lot. When one organ is not working the way it should be, it can put stress on other organs causing them to stop working properly.
The relationship between kidney and heart failure is one example of the ways our organs are connected. Not to forget diabetes, CKD, and heart failure. In fact, many people with heart problems also have issues with their kidneys and vice versa. This might be surprising, but it is important to understand how the two organs are interconnected to ensure better health outcomes.
So, let’s explore in detail the link between heart failure and kidney failure, or if you want to learn about how to keep them both healthy. Keep reading.
Table of Contents
What are the Major Functions?
Before diving into the relationship between kidney and heart failure, it’s important for you all to know the basic functions of both the heart and the kidneys.
The Heart
The heart is the muscle that is responsible for pumping blood filled with oxygen to all parts of the body. This job keeps every cell, organ, and system alive within the body. To supply blood to the whole body, the heart is dependent upon the blood vessels. Together the blood, blood vessels, and the heart make the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Anwar Jalil who is one of the top cardiologists in Pakistan while talking about kidney and heart failure says that this is just like a delivery system that delivers blood and nutrients throughout the body. Not to forget, it also picks up toxins and waste products from the body to get rid of them.
Here are some of the heart tests that you can get.
The Kidneys
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are usually about the size of your fist. These are two powerful factories and have the following jobs.
- Help in controlling blood pressure
- Clean the blood of waste products and extra water
- Help in making red blood cells
- Keep the balance of minerals in the blood like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus
- Keep bones strong and healthy
How do these Work Together?
When talking about kidney and heart failure, the heart is responsible for pumping blood and providing it to all the organs including the kidneys. The kidneys help in cleaning the blood by removing waste products and extra water. Without the kidneys, your blood would have too much waste and water.
Without the heart, the kidneys would not have the oxygen-filled blood that is needed to do their many important jobs.
Without the help of the kidneys, the heart would be working too hard or would not be functioning at all. A healthy and sane cardiovascular system is important for your kidneys to perform their job.
Read, Best Heart Hospitals to explore more.
What’s the Connection Between Kidney and Heart Failure?
The best cardiologists at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology say when your heart or kidneys cannot function normally, it can lead to cardiovascular disease or kidney disease. When the kidneys do not work well, more stress is put on the heart.
When someone suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease, their heart pumps harder to get blood to the kidneys. This can lead to heart disease and eventually death.
It is very important to know that having kidney disease can directly affect your chances of developing heart disease. And having heart disease can directly affect your chances of developing kidney disease. In fact, kidney and heart failure share many of the same risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Love Your Body – Reduce the Risk of Heart Failure and Kidney Failure
I know this has been too much for you, but you know what, there is good news. You can always reduce the risk of Chronic kidney disease and heart disease all at once. Here are some of the things that can be done.
Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks – Making healthy choices in eating healthy foods and drinks is an important way to give your body the fuel that it needs to function properly. Add more veggies and fruits to your plate and help in keeping a healthy weight, that is another way of preventing and managing these conditions.
Quit Smoking – Quitting smoking is the best thing that you can do for yourself, and for yourself. This can help a lot in staying away from Chronic Kidney Disease and heart disease and improving these conditions.
Getting Active – Getting active is the best way to help you prevent or manage Chronic Kidney Disease and heart disease. Find your activity and make sure to hit the gym or exercise at least at home for 30 mins a day, 5 times a week.
What are the Tests for Heart Disease and Kidney Disease?
You can get several tests done for heart disease and kidney disease. These can be,
- Blood pressure test
- A Blood Test for Cholesterol and Kidney Health
- An electrocardiogram
- Urine test to check Albumin levels for CKD
When to Contact Healthwire!
You can contact Heathwire to get yourself checked by the best doctors. In case of kidney and heart failure, it is best that you visit the best cardiologists near you in order to get yourself checked properly by a professional. This can help you manage the issue if it is already there, and can help in prevention if you are likely to get it anytime soon.