Cardiovascular disease
Recipients of kidneys are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders for a number of reasons [1,2].
In a study by Carpenter et al (2012) involving 4201 kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function in a 5 year post-transplant study:
As a pharmacist, you are in an ideal position to mitigate the risk of new incidence or progression of disease.
I suggest considering some of the following strategies for your kidney transplant recipients:
In a study by Carpenter et al (2012) involving 4201 kidney transplant recipients with stable graft function in a 5 year post-transplant study:
- Blood pressure was >140/90 mmHg in 44% of patients taking an antihypertensive agent
- 18% had borderline or elevated LDL (60% untreated)
- 31% with prevalent CVD were not taking an antiplatelet agent
As a pharmacist, you are in an ideal position to mitigate the risk of new incidence or progression of disease.
I suggest considering some of the following strategies for your kidney transplant recipients:
- Monitoring blood pressure
- Alterations to antihypertensives as necessary
- Reduction in medications contributing to CVD or kidney damage (Ie. NSAIDs)
- Assessment of CVD management
- Ensure proper adherence to medications
- Encouraging a healthy diet
- Supporting smoking cessation
- Recommending regular exercise (Ie. pedometer)
- Carpenter MA, Weir MR, Adey DB, House AA, Bostum AG, Kusek JW. Inadequacy of cardiovascular risk factor management in chronic kidney transplantation- evidence from the FAVORIT study. 2012. 26(4):E438-46.
- Phillips S, Heuberger R. Metabolic disorders following kidney transplantation. 2012. J Ren Nutr. 22(5):451-60.
Natural health products for hypertension
Many patients turn to natural health products for treatment of chronic conditions. Below is an article about dietary supplements and herbal remedies effective in the treatment of hypertension. This article does mention the safety of these products for patients with kidney disease, and you may find the table and figure particularly useful.
Dietary supplements and Herbal Remedies for Hypertension | |
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