World Kidney Day 2011
Authors: Thomas H. Hostetter, Daniel J. Kochis, Rachel N. Shaffer, Glenn Chertow, William E. Harmon, Paul E. Klotman, Neil R. Powe, John R. Sedor, Paul C. Smedberg, Suzanne Watnick, Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer
Journal: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (2011)

World Kidney Day (WKD), established by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Society of Kidney Foundations in 2006, is a global effort to “raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.” In 2010, more than 60 countries participated by organizing health screening events, public lectures, press conferences, political activities, and other efforts. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 20 million Americans. The link between CKD and cardiovascular disease is well established, and the number of people with both kidney disease and cardiovascular disease continues to climb at an alarming rate. On March 10, 2011, WKD highlights this association with the theme “Protect Your Kidneys and Save Your Heart.” CKD accelerates the progression of heart disease and increases the likelihood of major cardiovascular events and related deaths. Cardiovascular disease now accounts for more than half of all deaths among people with kidney failure. As noted by American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Public Policy Board Chair Tom Hostetter, MD, “It is of vital importance that the advocacy efforts of researchers, physicians, and advocacy groups to combat kidney disease work in conjunction with efforts to decrease cardiovascular disease. You cannot significantly reduce the prevalence of kidney disease unless its connections to other disease processes are recognized and addressed.” On WKD 2011, the ASN and other organizations will bring the growing public health threat posed by both kidney and cardiovascular diseases to the attention of the worldwide community. ASN leaders will meet with members of Congress to discuss with them the important link between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. ASN will also convene meetings with leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. As the Department of Health and Human Services implements the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, ASN will continue to urge thought leaders within the government to consider the critical link between kidney disease and cardiovascular disease in policy formulation. A reception on Capitol Hill hosted by a number of kidney-focused organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, will underscore efforts to increase awareness of CKD and cardiovascular disease. ASN leaders and staff will emphasize robust funding for kidney and cardiovascular diseases in their WKD efforts. It is essential that lawmakers understand how much research is needed to understand the epidemiologic and biologic factors contributing to the associations between kidney and cardiovascular diseases so that providers will have the tools they need to improve the health of millions of patients. Although the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is a leader in this field of research, ASN will advocate for increased funding from other National Institutes of Health entities that conduct research crucial to heart and kidney health, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Institute on Aging. This year ASN will place particular emphasis on the profound disparities that exist in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of these diseases. Minority populations are particularly at risk for both progressive CKD and certain forms of heart disease. Early renal impairment is more likely to progress toward ESRD in black and Hispanic patients than in white patients. Recent studies have shed light on some of the basic reasons for ethnic disparities in kidney disease, but much more research has still to be done to understand these disparities better and help create effective treatment therapies. WKD is an opportunity for kidney professionals worldwide to call attention to the growing public health threats of kidney and heart diseases at the local level. Recognizing WKD by speaking to colleagues and community members about the relationship between kidney disease and heart disease could be the first step in preventing ESRD or a cardiovascular event and saving a life. More information about preventing, recognizing, and managing kidney disease is available on the WKD web site www.worldkidneyday.org/) and from the National Institutes of Health's National Kidney Disease Education Program. ASN encourages you to join in leading the fight against kidney disease this March 10, 2011.