Kidney Disease Tied to Heart Attacks and Early Death, Even Among Young Adults

Chronic kidney disease doubles the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early mortality, even among young and middle-aged adults, according to results of a nationwide screening program.

Chronic kidney disease is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease in elderly people. New data from the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP), reported in the August issue of the American Heart Journal, provides the first proof that the danger is not restricted to people over the age of 65.

The research team at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, was led by Dr. Peter A. McCullough, vice chair of the Foundation's KEEP program.