ESC presents first guidelines on cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC), together with the European Renal Association, has presented the first guidelines for managing patients with cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. The document was published in the European Heart Journal and presented at the ESC Congress 2026, ScienceDaily reports.
The recommendations emphasize that cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease can accelerate each other’s progression. Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed when abnormalities in kidney structure or function persist for at least three months and affect a person’s health. According to the ESC, around 100 million people in Europe live with this condition, and it substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Screening after diagnosis
The authors of the guidelines recommend screening all patients with cardiovascular disease for chronic kidney disease after a cardiac diagnosis is established. They propose combining a blood test to determine creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate with a urine test for the albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
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To assess the likelihood of kidney failure and cardiovascular risk, the guidelines advise using validated scales that take kidney function into account. This approach is intended to help identify people at increased risk earlier and prescribe treatment with both diseases in mind.
Treatment and coordination of care
The strategy, called STAMP on CKD by the authors, includes screening, sorting patients by risk, assessing and reducing chronic kidney disease risk, adjusting cardiovascular disease treatment, and planning medical care. The document notes the importance of early use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and statin-based therapy to reduce the risk of kidney and cardiovascular complications.
Reduced kidney function can affect the elimination of certain medicines from the body, so the recommendations include advice on the safe use of medications in such patients. The ESC also emphasizes cooperation between cardiologists and nephrologists and involving patients, their families, or caregivers in decision-making. A separate version of the guidelines has been prepared for patients.
