Cardiovascular disease burden and associated risk factors in chronic kidney disease

Objectives Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is regarded as a leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). There is a high burden of cardiovascular complications in CKD patients, necessitating an integrated approach for targeted management of cardiovascular complications among CKD patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, nature, and risk factors of cardiovascular complications among CKD patients in a tertiary care center in Nepal. Materials and Methods It is a prospective and cross-sectional study conducted for 1 year (April 2020–2021). We recruited a total of 60 patients, meeting the criteria. Comprehensive patient histories, thorough physical examinations, potential risk factors for cardiovascular complications, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Results Among all, the predominant cardiovascular complication was valvular heart disease (VHD) (71.67%), with mitral regurgitation being the most prevalent (58.33%). Other complications included left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (66.67%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (53.33%), left ventricular systolic dysfunction (21.67%), pericardial effusion (15.00%), and global hypokinesia (11.67%). Significant comorbidities included anemia (100%), hypertension (HTN) (91.67%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (56.67%), and dyslipidemia (58.33%). Notably, 40.00% were smokers, 38.33% reported alcohol consumption, 21.67% were obese, and 13.33% were underweight. Conclusion Our study highlights the substantial impact of cardiovascular complications among CKD patients in Nepal. We found that VHD and LVH are particularly prevalent, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and targeted management strategies in clinical practice. The strong association with common comorbidities such as anemia, HTN, DM, and dyslipidemia further emphasizes the intricate relationship between renal and cardiovascular health in this population. Thus, these findings provide valuable insights into the cardiovascular and general healthcare challenges faced by CKD patients in our setting, urging for integrated care approaches to improve outcomes and enhance patient care.