How Kidney Disease Can Affect Your Pet’s Heart Health
We often think of the kidneys and heart as separate entities, but at Coast to Coast Cardiology, we know how intricately connected they are. Kidney disease especially can have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system of our furry loved ones.
Since 1 in 10 dogs and 1 in 3 cats will develop kidney disease at some point, this important blog post will focus on how these organs ultimately affect each other.
How the Heart and Kidneys Connect
The kidneys and heart work in tandem to maintain the body’s delicate balance. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that influence red blood cell production and calcium absorption.
The heart, in turn, pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, including the kidneys. Because of this, kidney disease can lead to heart disease, and vice versa, if not for proper medical intervention.
Kidney Disease and Heart Health in Pets
When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot effectively filter waste products and regulate fluids. This can lead to:
- Hypertension: Increased blood pressure puts extra strain on the heart.
- Fluid overload: Fluid retention can overload the heart. This makes it work harder and potentially causes congestive heart failure.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Imbalances in minerals like potassium or calcium can disrupt the heart’s rhythm and function.
- Anemia: Decreased red blood cell production can reduce oxygen delivery to the heart.
Caring for Your Pet’s Heart with Kidney Disease
Luckily, there are actions you can take to reduce the risk of kidney-caused heart issues.
Primarily, bring your pet to the vet! Regular veterinary checkups will monitor kidney function and blood pressure.
Then, providing your pet with a nutritious diet, often involving specialized prescription diets, can help reduce the workload on the kidneys and manage electrolyte imbalances. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications to control blood pressure, regulate fluids, or address other complications.
In some instances, fluid therapy (either intravenous or subcutaneous) may be necessary to manage dehydration or fluid imbalances.
If you have any fear about your pet’s heart health, the best thing you can do is visit us! At Coast to Coast Cardiology, we have ten distinct locations, but we deliver on one goal no matter what: treating the patient, not just the signs. To book an appointment, contact us online or call 844-582-3827 today.
