Raising Awareness About the Deleterious Effects of CKD

Worsening kidney function—reflected in rising uACR or declining eGFR—signals higher likelihood of heart failure, atherosclerotic events, and mortality, prompting earlier, more intensive intervention. Despite this strong association, CKD is often overshadowed in clinical practice by more familiar risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity. Raising awareness is essential: patients with elevated uACR face increased vascular injury and inflammation, while those with reduced eGFR experience impaired clearance of toxins that accelerate cardiovascular damage. For payers, recognizing CKD as a major cardiovascular risk factor underscores the value of early detection and treatment, which can prevent costly complications and improve long-term outcomes.