Kidney Disease May Predict Heart Problems

05/19/08 Research

Researchers have identified the concentration of a naturally occurring metabolite that hints at heart problems in diabetic patients with nephropathy, or malfunctioning kidneys.

The research published in the April 2008 issue of Diabetes Care examined a certain chemical produced by the body as a marker that could indicate risk of cardiovascular events. The chemical is called asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and is produced as the body processes glucose. It makes sense that individuals with diabetes and damaged kidneys would also have a greater risk of damage to the small vessels of the heart, which would be cardiac disease. Diabetes is an illness marked by small vessel damage and organs contain small vessels.

Studies revealed that those with diabetes-related kidney disease sustained 43 percent more fatal or non-fatal cardiac events than those without kidney disease. The concentrations of the ADMA, were higher in the kidney patients because their glomerular rate, which is the fine filtering of the kidney, was not functioning adequately. Higher concentrations had impact on nitric oxide levels, which affect the small vessels. Overall, however, patients with higher ADMA had a 67 percent higher mortality rate than those with lower results.

Keep this in mind when discussing anything about predictors. Discovering such predictors may or may not cause a lifestyle change. They’re nice to know about, but what are you going to do about it now that you know? You can take steps to change your lifestyle now with or without knowing your risk. Eat and live well from today on and you won’t have to worry about predicting your future.

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.