New ESC Guidelines Target Heart-Kidney Disease Link With Earlier Screening and Treatment - Video

New guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) highlight how simple tests and early treatment could help protect both the heart and kidneys.

The first ESC guidelines focused specifically on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were developed with the European Renal Association. They were published in the European Heart Journal and presented at ESC Congress 2026.

CKD affects about 100 million people across Europe. It can increase the risk of heart problems, while heart disease can worsen kidney function. This creates a cycle that can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, other cardiovascular events and kidney failure.

The guidelines recommend checking people with CVD for CKD as soon as cardiovascular disease is diagnosed. Doctors can do this using two simple tests: a blood test to measure kidney filtration and a urine test to check for albumin, a protein that can indicate kidney damage.

The new recommendations are organised under a strategy called “STAMP on CKD”: Screen, Triage, Address CKD Risk, Modify CVD management and Plan health services.

After screening, doctors should assess a person's risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications. Treatment can then be adjusted based on that risk.

The guidelines highlight medicines such as RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors, along with statin-based treatment, as important options for reducing heart and kidney complications. Doctors may also need to change doses or choose different medicines when kidney function is reduced.

The guidelines call for closer cooperation between cardiologists and kidney specialists. Patients and their families should be involved in decisions about care.

Overall, the ESC says earlier testing and treatment could help prevent complications and improve outcomes for people with heart and kidney disease. However, treatment should be tailored to each patient's condition and risk.

REFERENCE: Kevin Damman, et al.; 2026 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, in collaboration with the European Renal Association (ERA). European Heart Journal, 2026; DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag098