According to a new study, declining kidney function is linked to a higher risk of heart failure, heart attack, peripheral arterial disease, and early death in individuals with or without kidney disease. Researchers studied clinical information from individuals who were enrolled in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based study of elderly people. Using a new blood test of kidney function, called cystatin C, the researchers looked for links between changes in kidney function with the incidence of heart failure, heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.
 
The findings indicate poor kidney function may raise an individual's risk for cardiovascular complications. To evaluate heart health, clinicians should factor in not only their patients' current level of kidney function, but also changes in kidney function over time. 

This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Electronic Newsletter.