Current strategies for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in CKD What are rational and effective treatment options to reduce the cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney diseases?

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with substantially increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This is due to the high prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with CKD, such as arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus but also originates from the presence of CKD-specific so-called nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors. These include uremic toxins, uremic dyslipidemia as well as inflammation and oxidative stress. Objective: This review article summarizes the effective treatment strategies to prevent cardiovascular events in CKD patients. Results: The primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases represents a fundamental part in the field of nephrology. This essentially entails optimal control of blood pressure and diabetes, the treatment of dyslipidemia as well as lifestyle modifying factors such as weight reduction and smoking cessation. Conclusion: New pharmacological approaches that reduce the progression of CKD and cardiovascular have become established as essential treatment strategies in CKD management.