Cardiorenal diseases and associated healthcare costs are rapidly growing
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects around 700 million people worldwide, including more than 1 in 7 of US adults. The increasing prevalence of CKD is partly linked to diabetes and hypertension.
Along with the risk and lifestyle impact on patients, CKD is disproportionately costly to manage, costing healthcare systems more than breast, lung, colon and skin cancer combined.
Genetic conditions related to the kidney including Gitelman and Bartter Syndromes and others can also have a profound impact on patients' lives.
Cardiovascular Diseases are the leading cause of death, causing around a third of all deaths globally. Hypertension and high blood cholesterol are key risk factors.
Heart disease costs the US about $219 billion each year, with around 655,000 fatalities.
Active, frequent and personalized management of blood electrolyte balances, especially potassium, is a key factor in cardiorenal therapies
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium are essential for health but too little or too much can lead to serious problems.
Blood potassium concentration is critically important and is normally tightly regulated by the kidneys. However, kidney disease, cardiovascular medication and genetic disorders interfere with this balance, placing patients at risk.
Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)
Most common electrolyte abnormality leading to hospitalization
High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
Common clinical problem in patients with CKD, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure
