Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition affecting a roughly estimated 400–850 million of the world’s population, primarily older adults. A variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are common in this population, mostly due to similarity of risk factors, such as age, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. But CKD also evokes a unique pathophysiology that contributes to the prevalence of CVD in this population. Primary prevention of CKD is possible and might contribute to a lower burden of CVD. Secondary prevention of progression of CKD to advanced stages, including end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), through early detection and aggressive management might also reduce the burden of CVD. Opportunities for primary and secondary prevention of the various forms of CVD seen in mild to moderate CKD will be the focus of this review, rather than treatment of CVD seen in association with advanced CKD (ESKD), treated by dialysis or transplantation.