People with compromised kidney function are more susceptible to developing a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm, a study suggests.
A recent research revealed that chronic kidney disease may double the risk of atrial fibrillation, a serious condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, which may further lead to stroke or heart failure.
The researchers scrutinized information from 17,000 patients followed up for 8.5-12.5 years. All participants had a normal heart health when first enrolled, and were subjected to blood and urine tests to assess the capacity of their kidneys to eliminate specific toxins and proteins from the body.
The results demonstrated that people with a deteriorated kidney function at the beginning of the study had a higher probability of having atrial fibrillation towards the end. Those who had abnormal findings on blood examination had a two-times higher risk of having an abnormal heart rhythm while those who did worse on the urine test were 76% more likely.
The association was present even after adjusting for other risk factors for atrial fibrillation, including diabetes, tobacco consumption and a history of heart diseases.
The researchers explained that kidneys regulate the blood levels of several nutrients required to maintain proper heart function, and also maintain a steady blood volume.
In view of this, it was suggested that doctors managing patients with kidney disease should also watch out for potential heart diseases. In addition, people with kidney disease should also follow a heart-healthy lifestyle to minimize their risk for heart diseases.
Source: Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology