New ESC guidelines link heart and kidney disease screening to cut complications

In a collaborative effort, the European Society of Cardiology and the European Renal Association published new guidelines aimed at breaking the vicious cycle between heart disease and chronic kidney disease. The document recommends that every patient diagnosed with cardiovascular disease undergo immediate kidney function and albumin testing, using eGFR and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios. Risk assessment tools that incorporate kidney metrics should then guide treatment, with early introduction of RAS inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and statins highlighted as especially effective.

Adjustments to cardiovascular drugs are advised when kidney function is reduced, and the guidelines outline a 'STAMP on CKD' framework to streamline screening, triage, risk management, treatment modification and service planning. Multidisciplinary communication between cardiology and nephrology teams, as well as patient and caregiver involvement, are emphasized to improve outcomes. A simplified patient version accompanies the professional recommendations.