You might be thinking chronic kidney disease harms the heart because the inadequately filtered blood “poisons” the heart and thus disrupts its function. But there’s more to it than that.
Doctors have known for years that people with chronic kidney disease are far more likely to die from heart problems.
The connection was obvious, but the exact reason wasn’t.
Research now shows a direct biological pathway explaining how kidney disease can actively damage the heart, rather than just being linked to it.
The study found that injured kidneys release microscopic particles into the bloodstream that travel straight to the heart and interfere with how heart cells function.
Tiny Messengers with Harmful Effects
These particles are called extracellular vesicles.
Under normal conditions, they help cells communicate with each other.
In people with chronic kidney disease, though, the vesicles are altered.
Instead of carrying helpful signals, they transport genetic material that disrupts heart cells.
Once they reach the heart, they trigger changes that weaken cardiac function and increase the risk of heart failure.
What the Animal Studies Showed
In lab experiments using mice with kidney disease, researchers were able to block these vesicles from circulating.
When they did, heart function improved and signs of heart failure were reduced.
That finding suggests these particles aren’t just a side effect of kidney damage. They appear to be one of the main drivers of heart problems in chronic kidney disease.
Evidence Found in Human Blood Samples
Blood samples from people with chronic kidney disease showed the same harmful extracellular vesicles.
These particles were either absent or present at much lower levels in people without kidney disease.
This strengthens the idea that the mechanism applies to humans, not just lab animals.
If these vesicles can be detected early through blood tests, doctors may be able to identify patients at high risk for heart failure sooner.
Even more important, treatments that block or neutralize the particles could help protect the heart before permanent damage occurs.
Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with chronic kidney disease, which is very common, this research offers a promising path toward reducing that risk.
