Cardiovascular abnormalities in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular problems are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Hypertension is a common early symptom of ADPKD, and occurs in approximately 60% of patients before renal function has become impaired. Hypertension is associated with an increased rate of progression to end-stage renal disease and is the most important potentially treatable variable in ADPKD. Left ventricular hypertrophy, which is a powerful, independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, also occurs frequently in patients with ADPKD. Both hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy have important roles in cardiovascular complications in these individuals. Moreover, biventricular diastolic dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, increased carotid intima-media thickness, and impaired coronary flow velocity reserve are present even in young patients with ADPKD who have normal blood pressure and well-preserved renal function. These findings suggest that cardiovascular involvement starts very early in the course of ADPKD. Intracranial and extracranial aneurysms and cardiac valvular defects are other potential cardiovascular problems in patients with ADPKD. Early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, with drugs that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, has the potential to decrease the cardiovascular complications and slow the progression of renal disease in ADPKD.

Figure 1

Potential pathogenetic mechanisms of hypertension in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Abbreviations: SNS, sympathetic nervous system; TGF-β, transforming growth factor β.

Figure 2

An approach to assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and management in patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. If blood pressure is above 130/80 mmHg, urinary albumin excretion and plasma LDL cholesterol should be measured, LVMI should be calculated and smoking habit should be assessed. If microalbuminuria or LVH is present, blood pressure should be maintained below 120/80 mmHg with a regimen that includes an ACE inhibitor. Cessation of smoking and maintenance of plasma LDL cholesterol below 3.4mmol/l by use of statins is recommended. Abbreviations: ACE, angiotensin-converting enzyme; ADPKD, autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, LVH, left ventricular hypertrophy; LVMI, left ventricular mass index.