Researchers find that common kidney tests can predict the risk of conditions such as heart failure, stroke, and heart attack. Although it is not fully understood exactly how kidney disease is linked with cardiovascular disease, Dr. Matsushita states that a fluid overload caused by kidneys not functioning correctly can lead to heart failure.
Based on studies included in the Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis Consortium, researchers found that common kidney tests are often more efficient at predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease than the traditionally used cholesterol and blood pressure tests.
The two key kidney tests performed that help predict cardiovascular disease are eGFR and Albuminuria checks. The most common evaluation of kidney function is the eGFR and it checks the blood for creatinine, which is a waste product of the muscles, and shows how well the kidneys are filtering it out. The Albuminuria tests measures how much of the protein albumin leaks out of the kidney and into the urine. It appears that Albuminuria test is the stronger predictor of the two.
