Chronic kidney disease (CKD) raises cardiovascular risk in patients with heart failure, reinforcing the need for closer monitoring and earlier risk-reduction strategies in routine practice. This BMJ educational activity, written and reviewed by independent expert consultant cardiologists and funded by the Boehringer Ingelheim-Lilly Alliance with full BMJ editorial control, focuses on evidence-based treatment of heart failure.

Why It Matters To Your Practice

• Patients with both heart failure and CKD face higher cardiovascular risk than those with heart failure alone.

• Recognizing CKD as a major comorbidity can help guide follow-up intensity, medication review, and risk-factor management.

• Routine assessment of renal function is important when evaluating prognosis and treatment plans in heart failure.

Clinical Benefits

• Early identification of CKD may help clinicians tailor heart failure care more effectively.

• Integrating kidney and cardiovascular risk assessment can support more comprehensive, evidence-based management.

• Clear recognition of overlapping heart and kidney disease may improve patient counseling and shared decision-making.

Managing Risks

• Monitor kidney function regularly in patients with heart failure, especially when adjusting therapies.

• Review volume status, blood pressure, and concomitant medications that may affect renal function or cardiovascular outcomes.

• Escalate surveillance in patients with worsening renal markers or signs of cardiovascular instability.

The Bottom Line

• In heart failure, CKD is a key marker of added cardiovascular risk and should be addressed proactively in ongoing management.

• For NPs and PAs, coordinated heart-kidney care can help identify higher-risk patients earlier and support safer treatment decisions.