When the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently throughout the body, kidney function issues are among the first complications to develop.
Congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition that reflects a weakened heart muscle and reduced circulation, can lead to kidney disease and other serious health complications. Kidney disease can also cause circulation problems and force the heart to pump harder, raising the risk of CHF.
CHF and kidney disease can be treated with medications and lifestyle adjustments. However, severe heart failure often needs more invasive treatment, and chronic kidney disease may ultimately require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Working closely with your healthcare team to manage these two health challenges will give you the best chance of a positive outcome and a longer life.
A diagnosis of heart failure means your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet all of your body’s demands. The condition can follow a heart attack or be a complication related to:
- heart valve disease
- coronary artery disease (CAD)
- high blood pressure
- inherited heart conditions
- behaviors like little or no physical activity or excessive drug or alcohol use
- arrhythmia
The term “congestive heart failure” refers to the congestion or fluid buildup in organs and tissue when blood gets backed up in the lungs and veins instead of rushing back to the heart and lungs for oxygen.
The kidneys’ primary function is to filter toxins and waste material from the blood and help maintain healthy fluid levels in the body. A diagnosis of kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can no longer effectively carry out these functions.
A two-way relationship
The relationship between CHF and kidney disease is a two-way street. Having heart failure raises the risk of developing kidney disease.
CHF means there is less oxygenated blood nourishing the kidneys. When the blood flow from the heart slows and diminishes, it can cause blood flow back to the heart to back up in the veins of the organs, including the kidneys. Both problems can disrupt kidney function.
Likewise, if the kidneys stop filtering blood efficiently, they can cause the body to hold onto fluid, increasing blood pressure and placing strain on the heart. Over time, this additional burden on the heart can weaken its pumping ability, resulting in CHF.
While kidney problems can arise from even mild or early-stage heart failure, a
Additionally, both conditions share several risk factors, including hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.
Having kidney disease can complicate the treatment of CHF because some medications for CHF can’t be given with severe kidney disease. And depending on its severity, some people with kidney disease may not be able to get a mechanical heart pump to treat heart failure. Read more on this treatment method below.
The main priorities for treating CHF and kidney disease are managing blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar) levels. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, and diabetes are two major risk factors for CHF and kidney disease.
Diuretics may also reduce fluid retention and relieve symptoms, as CHF can cause your body to retain more fluid than it should.
Lifestyle behaviors
In addition to medical treatments, healthy lifestyle behaviors are recommended for those with CHF and kidney disease. Healthy lifestyle choices include:
- eating a balanced, low-sodium diet
- exercising on all or most days of the week
- monitoring your blood pressure and blood glucose levels at home
- quitting smoking (if you smoke)
- taking your medications exactly as prescribed and attending all of your doctor appointments
Medication
Medications to lower high blood pressure and reduce fluid levels include diuretics, which make the kidneys excrete more sodium and fluids as urine.
Other blood pressure-lowering medications that may be prescribed for heart failure include beta-blockers, which also help the heart beat more slowly and with less force, and ACE inhibitors.
Medications that help bring blood glucose levels into a healthy range include glucophage (Metformin) and other oral or injectable drugs.
Pacemaker
For some severe cases of CHF, a biventricular pacemaker may be needed to help both sides of the heart beat in a synchronized, consistent manner.
An implanted mechanical heart pump, such as a ventricular assist device or total artificial heart, can improve function when heart failure causes severely compromised circulation.
Mechanical heart pumps can sometimes improve quality of life and survival for people with advanced heart failure, but these devices are often temporary while an individual awaits a heart transplant.
Kidney transplant
When the kidneys fail, dialysis becomes necessary to filter the blood. A kidney transplant is another option.
Dialysis is a process that removes toxic chemicals from the body when the kidneys do not function normally.
Is it possible to recover from congestive heart failure and kidney disease?
CHF and kidney disease are progressive conditions, meaning they will usually worsen over time. However, with proper treatment and adherence to a healthy lifestyle, both conditions may be managed in many cases.
Heart failure may be reversible if the underlying cause is treated and there hasn’t been much damage to the heart muscle. It’s not possible to reverse kidney disease, but treatment can sometimes slow disease progression and preserve existing kidney function.
The long-term outlook for someone with CHF and kidney disease depends on the severity of each condition and factors like age and whether any other serious health problems are present.
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Because heart and kidney function are so closely tied, it’s not uncommon for someone with congestive heart failure to develop kidney disease, and vice versa. These two conditions can each pose serious health risks on their own and, in tandem, can pose even greater risks to long-term outlook.
With advances in medications and options for organ transplants and other therapies, managing the two health challenges can sometimes be possible, especially if diagnosed and treated early on.
The best way to lower your risk of developing both or either condition is to follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and keep up with your annual physicals and other health screenings.