Living With a Disease

Cardiovascular & Kidney Diseases

A blurred image of an elderly woman with her hands in her lap.

When the heart or kidneys do not function normally, this can lead to cardiovascular or kidney disease. Cardiovascular disease is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, and is the leading cause of death globally. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and end-stage renal disease. Many of these diseases and their often life-threatening consequences could be avoided by effective preventive measures.