Pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney: Theoretical basis, identification and treatment

'Harmony between the heart and kidney' refers to the physiological relationship between these two zang organs in Chinese medicine,while 'disharmony between the heart and kidney' (also called disharmony between fire and water) refers to the pathological state.The pattern of disharmony between the heart and kidney is widely observed in patients with insomnia,anxiety disorder and menopausal syndrome,etc..In order to gain a full and systematical understanding of this pattern,from the perspective of ancient Chinese philosophy and zang-fu theory in Chinese medicine,we systematically reviewed and discussed the functions and physiological characteristics of the heart and kidney,the origin and development of theories relating to heart-kidney relationship,the pathogenesis and identification of the pattern,as well as the commonly used classical formulas for its treatment,including Coptis and DonkeyHide Gelatin Decoction (Huánglián (E)jiāo Tāng) and Grand Communication Pill (Jiāotài Wán).Two examples of clinical modifications of these formulas in the treatment of insomnia and menopausal syndrome are provided in this article.It should be noted that in clinical practice,these formulas should be used flexibly,and modified in accordance to the condition of the patient.

A Chinese Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus to Optimize RAASi Usage and Hyperkalaemia Management in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure

Objective Variations are present in common clinical practices regarding best practice in managing hyperkalaemia(HK),there is therefore a need to establish a multi-specialty approach to optimal renin angiotension-aldosterone system inhibitors(RAASi)usage and HK management in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)&heart failure(HF).This study aimed to establish a multi-speciality approach to the optimal use of RAASi and the management of HK in patients with CKD and HF.Methods A steering expert group of cardiology and nephrology experts across China were convened to discuss challenges to HK management through a nominal group technique.The group then created a list of 41 statements for a consensus questionnaire,which was distributed for a further survey in extended panel group of cardiologists and nephrologists across China.Consensus was assessed using a modified Delphi technique,with agreement defined as"strong"(≥75%and<90%)and"very strong"(≥90%).The steering group,data collection,and analysis were aided by an independent facilitator.Results A total of 150 responses from 21 provinces across China were recruited in the survey.Respondents were comprised of an even split(n=75,50%)between cardiologists and nephrologists.All 41 statements achieved the 75%consensus agreement threshold,of which 27 statements attained very strong consensus(≥90%agreement)and 14 attained strong consensus(agreement between 75%and 90%).Conclusion Based on the agreement levels from respondents,the steering group agreed a set of recommendations intended to improve patient outcomes in the use of RAASi therapy and HK management in China.

Clinical Nursing Intervention of Moxibustion on Abdominal Distension Symptoms in Heart Failure (Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome)

Objective:To investigate the clinical nursing intervention effect of moxibustion on abdominal distension symptoms in heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome).Methods:62 patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)admitted to our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were selected and divided into the observation group(n=31)and the control group(n=31)by using the random numerical table method.The control group adopted conventional nursing interventions,and the observation group received the nursing program of the control group with the addition of moxibustion nursing interventions.The nursing effectiveness,quality of life scores,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:The nursing effectiveness of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The use of moxibustion nursing intervention in patients with heart failure(heart and kidney yang deficiency and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome)can effectively relieve the symptoms of abdominal distension,improve patients'quality of life,and increase nursing satisfaction,which has promotion and application values.

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and heart disease:Current perspectives

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i)are antidiabetic medications with remarkable cardiovascular(CV)benefits proven by multiple randomised controlled trials and real-world data.These drugs are also useful in the prevention of CV disease(CVD)in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Although DM as such is a huge risk factor for CVD,the CV benefits of SGLT-2i are not just because of antidiabetic effects.These molecules have proven beneficial roles in prevention and management of nondiabetic CVD and renal disease as well.There are various molecular mechanisms for the organ protective effects of SGLT-2i which are still being elucidated.Proper understanding of the role of SGLT-2i in prevention and management of CVD is important not only for the cardiologists but also for other specialists caring for various illnesses which can directly or indirectly impact care of heart diseases.This clinical review compiles the current evidence on the rational use of SGLT-2i in clinical practice.

Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases:Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy

BACKGROUND The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known.Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established.The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS),however,this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials.AIM To identify baseline and clinical characteristics,as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital.METHODS This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Depart-ment of the National Institute of Cardiology“Ignacio Chávez”.All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study.RESULTS Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found.The average age was 29.00 years±15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h±6165 mg/24 h.The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot’s tetralogy with 2 cases(20%)and ventricular septal defect with 2(20%)cases.Among the 10 cases,one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found,receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis,delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy.Among remaining 8 cases(80%),one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found,while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS.CONCLUSION Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy.In 2 out of 10 patients in our study,interventions were performed,and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed.Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Cardiac evaluation of renal transplant candidates with heart failure

Patients with advanced kidney disease are at elevated risk of developing heart failure and appropriate risk stratification is important to permit them to receive kidney transplantation.The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology joint statement provides guidance on risk stratification for the major cause of heart failure for these patients in its recommendations for coronary heart disease.Herein we provide an overview of the available literature on risk strati-fication for nonischemic heart failure and functional heart disease states such as pulmonary hypertension.Many of these options for optimizing these patients be-fore transplant include optimizing their volume status,often with more agg-ressive ultrafiltration.Kidney transplantation remains the treatment of choice for patients with advanced kidney disease and cardiac disease,the correction of the azotemic substances with kidney transplantation has been associated with imp-roved survival than remaining on dialysis long-term.The findings in the studies reviewed here are expected to help clinicians refine current strategies for evalua-ting potential kidney transplant recipients.

Intraoperative Blood Glucose Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Pediatric Patients Having Congenital Heart Surgery under Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Purpose:This study sought to explore the effect of intraoperative mean blood glucose levels and variability on postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.Methods:We conducted a prospective nested case-control study in children(age<18 years)undergoing congenital heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)at the Fuwai Hospital between April 01,2022 and July 30,2022.Cases were individuals who developed AKI within the first postoperative 7 days(AKI group)and controls were those without AKI(Non-AKI group)according to KDIGO criteria.AKI and Non-AKI groups unmatched and 1:1 matched by age,sex,and baseline serum creatinine were separately analyzed.Multivariate logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between blood glucose variables and AKI.Results:688 consecutively approached patients were included in the final analysis.On multivariate analysis,intra-CPB(adjusted odds ratio[OR]0.802;95%confidence interval[CI],0.706 to 0.912;p=0.001)and post-CPB(adjusted OR 0.830;95%CI,0.744 to 0.925;p=0.001)blood glucose levels were associated with postoperative AKI.There were no significant differences in pre-CPB blood glucose(adjusted OR 0.926;95%CI,0.759 to 1.129;p=0.446)or intraoperative glycemic fluctuations(adjusted OR 0.905;95%CI,0.723 to 1.132;p=0.382)between AKI and Non-AKI groups.Results based on matched cases and controls were consistent with those from the unmatched analyses.Conclusion:Higher intraoperative blood glucose levels during and after CPB were protective factors against postoperative AKI in pediatric patients after congenital heart surgery.

Heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction in older patients with chronic kidney disease: the China Hypertension Survey (2012‒2015)

Background Heart failure(HF)is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality for older chronic kidney disease(CKD)patients.However,the epidemiological data is scarce.We aimed to determine the prevalence of left ventricular(LV)dysfunction and HF,and to explore the risk factors for HF among those patients.Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the China Hypertension Survey conducted between October 2012 and December 2015.A total of 5,808 participants aged≥65 years were included in the analysis.Self-reported history of HF and any other cardiovascular diseases was acquired.2-D and Doppler echocardiography were used to assess LV dysfunction.CKD was defined as either estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(ACR)≥30 mg/g.Results Among CKD patients aged≥65 years,the weighted prevalence of HF,heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction(HFmrEF),and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)was 4.8%,2.5%,0.8%,and 1.7%,respectively.The weighted prevalence of HF was 5.0%in patients with eGFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2,and was 5.9%in patients with ACR≥30 mg/g.The prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction was 3.1%,and while it was 8.9%for moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was significantly associated with the risk of HF.Furthermore,age,smoking,and residents in rural areas were significantly associated with a risk of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusions The prevalence of HF and LV dysfunction was high in older patients with CKD,suggesting that particular strategies will be required.

Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia,which is now on course to reach epidemic proportions in the elderly population. AF is a commonly encountered comorbidity in patients with cardiac and major non-cardiac diseases. Morbidity and mortality associated with AF makes it a major healthcare burden. The objective of our article is to determine the prognostic impact of AF on acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine if AF has an independent role in the overall mortality of such patients. Our review suggests that AF has an independent adverse prognostic impact on the clinical outcomes of acute coronary syndromes,heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

Recognizable type of pituitary, heart, kidney and skeletal dysplasia mostly caused by SEMA3A mutation: A case report

BACKGROUND The SEMA3A gene,which is located at 7q21.11,is involved in hypothalamic neuron migration,heart development,kidney development,and skeleton metabolism.Mutation of the SEMA3A gene is associated with Kallmann syndrome 16 with or without a normal sense of smell.In addition,two case reports showed that mutation of the SEMA3A gene could cause short stature,low gonadotropin,hypogonadism,thoracic deformity,a high scapula,rib and lower limb deformity,facial deformity(long face,epicanthic folds,backwards ears),and arterial malformation.CASE SUMMARY We reported the case of a 26-year-old Chinese man who was admitted because of short stature.Physical examination showed that he had many abnormal symptoms,including a short neck,facial moles,knee valgus,transverse palm,continuous grade 5/6 murmurs in the pulmonary auscultation area,no whiskers,or pubic hair,no Adam’s apple,short penis and cryptorchidism.Radiological examination showed pituitary,gonad,heart,kidney and skeletal dysplasia.The laboratory tests revealed low growth hormone,luteinizing hormone,folliclestimulating hormone,testosterone and estrogen.Clinical whole-exome detection showed that our patient,unlike previously reported patients,has a new SEMA3A gene mutation(c.950A>G).Now,his height has increased by 3 cm.In addition,he has a good appetite and reduced subcutaneous fat over 3 mo of recombinant human growth hormone injections therapy.Unfortunately,he refuses further treatment about gonad.CONCLUSION Patients who come to a hospital because of their short stature must undergo gene detection if they have other simultaneous abnormal phenotypes.

Metabolic Acidosis in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors, Clinical Correlates and Outcome. Findings from a High Dependency Heart and Vascular Surgical Center in Nigeria

Background: Metabolic acidosis (MA) is a common finding on the surgical ward, more so in the intensive care unit. Diseases affecting the major organ systems of the body and higher grades of surgery are common risk factors for MA. It is associated with poor treatment outcome. Aim: To determine the risk factors and clinical correlates of metabolic acidosis and assess its relationship with treatment outcome. Methodology: A retrospective study at the “Tristate Heart and vascular Center” in Ilishan-Remo South west Nigeria, on patients that had cardiac and vascular surgeries from January 2015 to December 2019. Three hundred and forty two participants took part in the study. The demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were entered. Statistical analysis was with Student’s t-test and Chi square. Results: Two hundred and six males and 136 females were studied. The incidences of metabolic acidosis prior to induction, on post-operative day one (POD1) and on POD28 were 20.7%, 39.8% and 14.1% respectively. Nine (2.6%) participants died during admission, of this, 6 (66.7%) had MA at presentation but all (100%) had MA on POD1. The Risk factors for MA were advanced age, comorbidities, open heart surgery, elevated systolic blood pressure and low eGFR. Metabolic acidosis was a risk factor for prolonged hospital stay, perioperative death and declining kidney function which was commoner among participants with preexisting kidney dysfunction. Conclusion: The incidence of metabolic acidosis was 20.7% at induction of anesthesia, rose to 39.8% on POD1 and by POD28, it has significantly reduced to 14.1%. While advancing age and comorbidities were risk factors for MA, the occurrence of MA increased the risk of declining kidney function, prolonged hospital stay and death.

Prognostic Factors in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 1: Retrospective Observational and Analytical Study

Introduction: Type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS 1) is characterized by acute impairment of cardiac function leading to acute renal dysfunction. CRS1 is present in 25% of patients admitted for heart failure. The objective of our study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic profile and the risk and prognostic factors of these patients. Materials and Methods: We identified 120 patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) over a one-year period to determine the prevalence and risk factors for developing CRS 1. We analyzed the clinical, biological, and evolutionary profiles of patients with CRS 1 and determined the risk factors for the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) as well as the mortality factors in these patients. Résultats: The average age of our patients with CRS1 is 58 ± 9 years, with a sex ratio of 1.4. The average eGFR of our patients is 35 ± 6.5 ml/min/1.73m2. Diabetes was found in 17% of our patients and hypertension in 14%. The etiology of cardiac impairment is predominantly acute coronary syndrome (ACS), followed by rhythm disorders. Renally, all our patients have acute kidney injury (AKI), with 86% having functional acute renal failure and 14% having acute tubular necrosis. Therapeutically, 50% of our patients are on diuretics, 42% receive beta-blocker treatment, and RAAS blockers are used in 29% of cases. Renal replacement therapy (RRT) sessions were required in 13.8% of cases. In univariate analysis, male gender, tachyarrhythmia, and hypertension are associated with the early onset of acute kidney injury (AKI). The use of diuretics, anemia, and low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are linked to a higher risk of developing CRS 1 (p = 0.021, p = 0.037, p = 0.010 respectively). In multivariate analysis, advanced age is significantly associated with increased mortality risk in CRS 1 patients (p = 0.030), while beta-blocker use is considered a protective factor (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Our study identifies several key factors associated with outcomes in type 1 CRS. Male gender, tachyarrhythmia, and hypertension are linked to early-onset AKI. The use of diuretics and the presence of anemia increase the risk of developing CRS1. Advanced age is significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Conversely, the use of beta-blockers appears to be protective in this patient population. .

Evaluation of the contrast between tissues and thermal lesions in rabbit in vivo produced by high intensity focused ultrasound using fast spin echo MRI sequences

In this paper the goal was to measure the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of fast spin echo (FSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in detecting thermal lesions created by high intensity focused ul-trasound (HIFU) in rabbit kidney, liver, heart, and brain and lamb pancreas. A spherically focused transducer was used which is navigated inside MRI by a custom made positioning device. A simple simu-lation model was developed which predicts the CNR for the two FSE MRI sequences. The maximum con-trast measured with T1-W FSE ranges from 10 to 25. For all 5 tissues of interest if one uses TR between 400 and 500 ms the contrast is maximized. The T1 and T2 value of lesion depends strongly on the host tissue and is always lower than the host tissue. The greater the difference in T1 value, the greater the CNR. The simulated model for predicting the CNR was proven successful. The CNR measured with T2-W FSE varies between 12 and 15 for all 5 tissues. With T2-W FSE if one uses TE between 40 and 50 ms, the contrast is maximized.

Comparative Assessment of Melatonin-Afforded Protection in Liver, Kidney and Heart of Male Mice against Doxorubicin Induced Toxicity

Melatonin (MEL) was investigated for protection against the anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin (Dox) that is well known for its oxidative damage to various body organs. It was aimed to have a comparison of this protection to heart, liver and kidney in the treated subjects. In this study, groups of mice were treated with Dox and melatonin and their individual or combined effects were evaluated by assessing lipidperoxidation, non-protein sulfhydryls (NP-SH) and nitrate/nitrite (NO) contents in these tissues. Plasma aminotransferases, LDH and CK-MB enzyme activities were measured. Moreover, these tissues were subject to histopathological assessment. MEL co-treatment significantly prevented any rise in lipidperoxides more significantly in heart and liver as compared to kidney. In tandem, MEL prevented a decline in GSH that was observed by Dox alone in liver and kidney. Dox significantly increased total NO levels in all the tissues. Melatonin at both dose levels could not afford protection against nitrosative stress. MEL in combination treatment provided significant

Evaluation of chronic kidney disease in chronic heart failure: From biomarkers to arterial renal resistances

Chronic kidney disease and its worsening are recurring conditions in chronic heart failure(CHF) which are independently associated with poor patient outcome.The heart and kidney share many pathophysiological mechanisms which can determine dysfunction in each organ. Cardiorenal syndrome is the condition in which these two organs negatively affect each other, therefore an accurate evaluation of renal function in the clinical setting of CHF is essential. This review aims to revise the parameters currently used to evaluate renal dysfunction in CHF with particular reference to the usefulness and the limitations of biomarkers in evaluating glomerular dysfunction and tubular damage. Moreover, it is reported the possible utility of renal arterial resistance index(a parameter associated with abnormalities in renal vascular bed) for a better assesment of kidney disfunction.

Marked elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Marked elevations of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） are not generally seen in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. The objective of this study was to examine the clinical and laboratory characteristics of a large cohort of patients with HFpEF and markedly elevated BNP. A retrospective examination of 421 inpatients at a university hospital admitted with a diagnosis of HFpEF was performed. Clinical and echocardiographic data in 4 groups of patients with levels of BNP ≤ 100 pg/mL, 100-400 pg/mL, 400-1,000 pg/mL and 〉 1,000 pg/mL were compared. Patients with HFpEF and BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL （28% of the population） were characterized by impaired renal function and greater use of anti-hypertensive medications. A subset of these patients with BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL had normal renal function （21%） and were significantly older, more frequently female, and tended to have lower ejection fractions. Conversely, patients with HFpEF and BNP ≤100 pg/mL were younger and had preserved renal function. BNP was inversely related to the likelihood of subsequent admission for heart failure, but not to myocardial infarction or death. In conclusion： BNP 〉 1,000 pg/mL is seen in almost 1/3 of patients hospitalized with HFpEF. This elevation of BNP often reflects impaired renal function, but can also be seen in patients with preserved renal function but relatively impaired systolic function.

The Relationship of Cystatin C,Creatinine,Estimated GFR,and Cardiovascular Events

This study examined the predictive value of plasma cystatin C,creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Chinese.Plasma cystatin C and creatinine were measured in 466 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients recruited from 4 hospitals and 349 healthy controls from local communities in Wuhan,China.Cockroft-Gault formula was used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after adjusting for body surface area.With each measure,the study population was divided into quintiles.The results showed that the patients had significantly higher levels of plasma cystatin C,creatinine,and lower level of eGFR than controls.Lower eGFR was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.As compared with the first (highest) quintile,the hazard ratios (and 95% CIs) after multivariate adjustment for CHD were as follows:third quintile,2.98 (1.54-5.78);fourth quintile,3.34 (1.58-7.09);fifth quintile,4.37(1.84-10.35).With higher cystatin C quintiles (≥1.00 mg/L and ≥1.17 mg/L),the hazard ratios for CHD were 2.16 (1.23-3.81) and 2.34 (1.25-4.38),similar to those of creatinine 2.21 (1.21-4.03) and 2.03 (1.07-3.84).However,it was plasma cystatin C not eGFR or creatinine had stronger association with ischemic stroke.The highest quintile had the hazard ratio of 4.51 (1.45-14.08) after multivariate adjustment.It was concluded that plasma cystatin C,associated with renal function,is not an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.eGFR is a better risk predictor for CHD than plasma cystatin C and creatinine.But for ischemic stroke,plasma cystatin C is a better risk factor than creatinine and estimated GFR.

Renal impairment and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction early post-myocardial infarction

AIM:To study if impaired renal function is associated with increased risk of peri-infarct heart failure (HF) in patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF).METHODS:Patients with occluded infarct-related arteries (IRAs) between 1 to 28 d after myocardial infarction (MI) were grouped into chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).Rates of early post-MI HF were compared among eGFR groups.Logistic regression was used to explore independent predictors of HF.RESULTS:Reduced eGFR was present in 71.1% of 2160 patients,with significant renal impairment (eGFR < 60 mL/min every 1.73 m2) in 14.8%.The prevalence of HF was higher with worsening renal function:15.5%,17.8% and 29.4% in patients with CKD stages 1,2 and 3 or 4,respectively (P < 0.0001),despite a small absolute difference in mean EF across eGFR groups:48.2 ± 10.0,47.9 ± 11.3 and 46.2 ± 12.1,respectively (P=0.02).The prevalence of HF was again higher with worsening renal function among patients with preserved EF:10.1%,13.6% and 23.6% (P < 0.0001),but this relationship was not significant among patients with depressed EF:27.1%,26.2% and 37.9% (P= 0.071).Moreover,eGFR was an independent correlate of HF in patients with preserved EF (P=0.003) but not in patients with depressed EF (P=0.181).CONCLUSION:A significant proportion of post-MI patients with occluded IRAs have impaired renal function.Impaired renal function was associated with an increased rate of early post-MI HF,the association being strongest in patients with preserved EF.These findings have implications for management of peri-infarct HF.

Heart failure in subjects with chronic kidney disease:Best management practices

Renal dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure(HF) and can complicate HF therapy.Treating patients with HF and kidney disease is difficult and requires careful assessment,monitoring and balancing of risk between potential benefits of treatment and adverse impact on renal function.In this review,we address the pathophysiological contexts and management options in this adversarial relation between the heart and the kidney,which exists in a substantial proportion of HF patients.Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers are associated with similar reductions in mortality in patients with and without renal insufficiency but usually are less often prescribed in patients with renal insufficiency.Careful monitoring of side effects and renal function should be done in all patients with renal insufficiency and prompt measures should be adopted to prevent further complications.

Role of imaging in the evaluation of renal dysfunction in heart failure patients

Heart failure and kidney disease share common pathophysiological pathways which can lead to mutual dysfunction,known as cardiorenal syndrome.In heart failure patients,renal impairment is related to hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic factors.Both decreased renal blood flow and renal venous congestion due to heart failure could lead to impaired renal function.Kidney disease and worsening renal function are independently associated with poor prognosis in heart failure patients,both in acute and chronic clinical settings.The aim of this review is to assess the role of renal imaging modalities in the evaluation and management of heart failure patients.Renal imaging techniques could complete laboratory data,as estimated glomerular filtration rate,exploring different pathophysiological factors involved in kidney disease and adding valuable information about renal structure and function.In particular,Doppler examination of arterial and venous hemodynamics is a feasible and non invasive technique,which has proven to be a reliable method for prognostic stratification in patients with cardiorenal syndrome.The renal resistance index,a measure related to renal hemodynamics,can be calculated from the Doppler evaluation of arterial flow.Moreover,the analysis of Doppler venous flow patterns can integrate information from the arterial study and evaluate renal congestion.Other imaging modalities are promising,but still confined to research purposes.