Heart-Healthy Nutrition Approach for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) patients have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in comparison to the general population. There is a well-established link between CKD and CVD risk factors in this population. CVD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the CKD population. This increased risk and associated link emphasizes the need to further educate patients about the importance of a hearthealthy nutrition intake, placing the focus on CKD patients who exhibit risk factors or already have CVD. CVD encompasses a group of diseases that involve the heart and/or the blood vessels: Coronary heart disease is one of the most common forms of CVD. This affects blood vessels of the heart and may cause angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. Heart failure or congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not able to pump blood around the body as well as it should. This develops slowly over time and may limit the ability to perform daily activities of living. Ischemic heart disease may be characterized by atherosclerosis and result in myocardial infarction or angina. Left ventricular hypertrophy is an abnormal enlargement of the left ventricle and most commonly the result of prolonged high blood pressure. Stroke is the lack of blood flow to the brain. A stroke may be caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain from a broken blood vessel. What are some of the strategies that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) with expertise in renal nutrition and