Kidney problems are not only a threat to health, but they can also increase the risk of stroke. Experts say that metabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol are associated with kidney disease, which affects blood circulation in the veins and causes stroke.
Dr PN Renjen, senior neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, told INS that the risk of stroke increases manifold in patients with chronic kidney disease (CDK). According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, individuals with kidney failure are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, which also increases their risk of death.
Relation between CDK and stroke
In CKD patients, the condition of having a low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases the risk of stroke by up to 40 percent. Additionally, proteinuria, identified as excess protein in the urine, can increase this risk by about 70 percent. Dr Renjen said the relationship between CKD, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and stroke is complex and important. Metabolic syndrome includes conditions such as obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, which form the main risk factors for CKD and stroke.
Research results
The research also revealed that individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome have a 50 percent higher risk of developing CKD. "The mechanisms linking these conditions include oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which adversely affect kidney function and increase the risk of stroke," Dr Renjen said.
Chronic inflammation and insulin resistance
Dr. Darshan Doshi, Neurology Consultant, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, emphasized that chronic inflammation and insulin resistance establish the link between stroke and metabolic syndrome. He said that individuals with metabolic syndrome are often at higher risk of stroke, and this risk is even higher in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis.
Measures to reduce risk
Experts have advised people to make changes in their lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help control blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels. These measures are not only helpful in maintaining kidney health but can also reduce the risk of stroke.
(PC: Freepik)
