A study has found that even the earliest stages of chronic kidney disease are linked to higher risk of subsequent coronary heart disease. Considering signs of early kidney disease, in addition to routinely measured risk factors such as blood pressure and blood cholesterol, modestly improves the identification of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The study was conducted in Iceland among 17,000 people aged 33-81 years.

1. Angelantonio ED, Chowdhury R, Sarwar N, et al. Chronic kidney disease and risk of major cardiovascular disease and non-vascular mortality: prospective population based cohort study. BMJ 2010; 341: c4986. (0pen access)