Kidney function can be impaired when the heart is compromised

Heart failure can harm kidney function. This is because in addition to their role in eliminating toxins produced by the body, the kidneys also have the task of controlling the amount of fluid in the body. This is what the nephrologists at the ECHO Medical Center, Giuliana Lagos Lemmi and Rafael de Souza Bene, explain.

The alert comes as broadcaster Fausto Silva underwent a heart transplant due to heart failure. “When a patient has heart failure, as in the case of Lieutenant Colonel Faustau, the reduced force of contraction of the heart can have implications for kidney function, which we call cardiorenal syndrome,” Juliana says.

Nephrologist Rafael de Sousa-Binet reports that in extreme cases, dialysis may be necessary. “This measure must be taken to restore the balance of the amount of fluid in the body, which often allows for an improvement in heart function,” explains Penny.

Congestive heart

Cardiologist Sadie Navarro, who also works at Echo Medical Center, explains that heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. “As a result, fluid can build up in the legs, lungs and other tissues throughout the body causing characteristic symptoms,” the cardiologist warns.

According to the doctor, the symptoms of heart failure are not always obvious. “Some people in the very early stages of heart failure may not have any symptoms. Others may ignore symptoms such as fatigue or shortness of breath, considering the signs of aging,” he adds.

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According to a cardiologist, sometimes, the symptoms of heart failure are more noticeable. Because of the heart’s inability to pump blood efficiently and supply your organs (such as the kidneys and brain) it can cause shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and legs, lack of energy, feeling tired, trouble sleeping at night due to breathing problems, bloating or abdominal pain, loss of appetite, Cough mucous or “frothy” phlegm, increased urination at night, confusion, memory impairment.

heart transplant

And in Brazil, according to data from the Ministry of Health, 65,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant, the country with the largest public transplant program in the world and the second country that performs the largest number of organ transplants, second only to the United States.

The National Transplant System manages the organ donation process through strict protocols. In the case of a heart transplant, when successful, it can increase a patient’s survival and recovery, so that the transplanted person can return to their routine soon.

“However, to help maintain the health of the new heart, it is very important for the patient to make some lifestyle changes, such as visiting a cardiologist regularly, maintaining good eating and exercise habits and taking specific medications indicated by the specialist,” Saadi Navarro confirms.

The average first-year survival rate is currently 80%, according to the expert. “Which is very good if we compare patients who are on the waiting list who have an 80% to 90% chance of dying. The average survival is about 13 years. And there are cases that have more than 20 years after transplants.”

It is important to stress that the sale of organs is prohibited in Brazil and the list of beneficiaries is adhered to taking into account such factors as the time on the list and the seriousness, as well as the urgency of the situation. Everyone can help by informing family members of their desire to donate their organs in the event of brain death.