What is the connection between Kidney and Heart Health?

Your kidneys and heart may seem like they do very different jobs, but they are deeply connected. When one is not working well, the other is often affected too. That is why doctors often talk about kidney health and heart health together—because damage to one organ can increase the risk of disease in the other.

The heart pumps blood through the body, sending it to the kidneys, which filter out waste, extra fluid, and toxins. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure, control fluid levels, and keep the balance of key minerals like sodium and potassium. To do all this, the kidneys rely on steady blood flow from a healthy heart.

When the heart is not pumping well—due to heart failure or poor circulation—the kidneys may not receive enough blood to function properly. This can lead to a decline in kidney function. On the flip side, if the kidneys are damaged, they may not remove fluid effectively, causing fluid overload. This puts extra pressure on the heart and raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms.

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are risk factors for both kidney and heart problems. That is why managing these conditions is important for protecting both organs at once.

Doctors often refer to this link as the cardiorenal connection—a reminder that the heart and kidneys function as a team. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney function, and cholesterol levels are all part of keeping both the heart and kidneys healthy.

Taking steps like staying hydrated, eating a heart- and kidney-friendly diet, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly can support both organs and reduce long-term risk.

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