How Inflammation Threatens Your Kidneys and Heart

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incredibly common, affecting 1 in 7 Americans, and heart disease is a common cause of death for those with CKD. In this week's article we explore the role inflammation plays in chronic kidney disease and how the same inflammation that damages the kidneys may also lead to damage in other parts of the body, including the heart. We also review why inflammation is beneficial in low amounts and what's being done to help lower chronic inflammation without compromising this vital immune response.References:Kadatane, S. P., Satariano, M., Massey, M., Mongan, K., & Raina, R. (2023). The role of inflammation in CKD. Cells, 12(12), 1581. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12121581Kovesdy, C. P. (2022). Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease: an update 2022. Kidney international supplements, 12(1), 7-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2021.11.003Kalantar-Zadeh, K., Jafar, T. H., Nitsch, D., Neuen, B. L., & Perkovic, V. (2021). Chronic kidney disease. The lancet, 398(10302), 786-802. https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(21)00519-5/abstractBajaj, A., Xie, D., Cedillo-Couvert, E., Charleston, J., Chen, J., Deo, R., ... & Townsend, R. R. (2019). Lipids, apolipoproteins, and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in persons with CKD. American journal of kidney diseases, 73(6), 827-836. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.11.010Speer, T., Dimmeler, S., Schunk, S. J., Fliser, D., & Ridker, P. M. (2022). Targeting innate immunity-driven inflammation in CKD and cardiovascular disease. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 18(12), 762-778. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-022-00621-9Zoccalli C and Mallamaci F. Innate Immunity System in Patients With Cardiovascular and Kidney Disease. Circ Res. 2023, 132(8):915-932. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.321749Mazhar, F., Fu, E. L., Faucon, A. L., Hjemdahl, P., Mathisen, J., Muhammad, I. F., ... & Carrero, J. J. (2025). Systemic inflammation and the risks of adverse kidney outcomes in adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2025.04.011Share with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to MedEvidence! Articles to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramTwitterLinkedInTiktokYoutubeFor more great content, including discussions by physicians and clinical research experts, check out the MedEvidence! Podcast and MedEvidence.comThank you for listening!