title: Heart failure and chronic kidney disease: an integrated care approach.
abstract: Renal impairment may be evident at any stage of heart failure (CHF). Up to 30% of patients with heart failure have abnormal renal function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a complication of heart failure and chronic heart disease can be a consequence of CKD. Members of the multidisciplinary team, such as nurses, dieticians and physiotherapists should be encouraged to maximise their knowledge and skills across disease areas to influence and improve outcomes of those with CKD and CHF. In particular management of fluid balance, blood pressure control/monitoring, discussion of blood results and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Close monitoring and effective management of modifiable cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension can reduce onset and slow progression of CKD. This can be done by applying the key principles of good practice, such as communication between healthcare professionals, patient education and empowerment alongside early identification and management of symptoms of CKD and CHF.
authors.affiliation: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Kent Kidney Care Centre, Kent & Canterbury Hospital,University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. Karen.jenkins@ekht.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kirk
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate