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Heart Health

Chronic kidney disease: A hidden threat to your heart

Most people with kidney disease don't know they have it. Two screening tests can tell you if you're at risk.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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Three-dimensional illustration of the human kidneys, glowing blue with arteries highlighted in red and veins in a deeper blue.

Nestled just below your ribcage on either side of your spine, your kidneys filter some 200 quarts of blood each day, removing waste and balancing fluid levels in your body. These fist-sized organs are more closely connected to your heart health than you might realize. Cardiologists are now calling for more attention to the kidney-heart connection and stressing the importance of early screening for chronic kidney disease.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of John W. Ostrominski, MD

John W. Ostrominski, MD, Contributor

Dr. John W. Ostrominski is a fellow in cardiovascular medicine and an obesity medicine specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, with specific interests in epidemiology, drug … See Full Bio
View all posts by John W. Ostrominski, MD
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