New Heart and Kidney Guidance Released
The American Society of Nephrology outlined integrated screening and treatment strategies for patients with kidney disease.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Heart Disease
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The American Society of Nephrology has published new guidance addressing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome for patients with kidney disease. This framework aims to help physicians standardize care for those balancing complex heart and metabolic risks.
Why it matters
By treating chronic kidney disease as a central risk factor for heart issues, this guidance encourages integrated screening to address treatment gaps for patients often missing from clinical trials. It shifts the clinical approach toward comprehensive cardiovascular and metabolic risk management.
This clinical guidance, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, establishes new protocols for managing patients in nondialysis-dependent CKD stages 3 to 5. It is based on a review of integrated risk-assessment equations and foundational therapies.
The players
American Society of Nephrology
A professional society representing physicians and scientists dedicated to the study and treatment of kidney disease.
University of Washington School of Medicine
A medical research and training institution affiliated with the lead authors of the new guidance.
Geisinger Medical Center
A health system and research center contributing to the development of these new nephrology standards.
The details
The guidance advises nephrologists to integrate routine testing for kidney function, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles into standard care. Physicians are encouraged to use specific risk-assessment tools, such as the CVD PREVENT equation, while utilizing treatments like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists to stabilize patients. These therapies work to address systemic metabolic factors, acknowledging that initial dips in kidney function may occur when starting certain regimens.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The American Society of Nephrology released the new medical guidance.
Health Landscape
This guidance marks a shift toward unified cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic risk assessment in standard nephrology practice. It builds upon established tools like the Kidney Failure Risk Equations to create a more integrated approach to managing complex comorbidities.
Patients with chronic kidney disease should speak with their physician about whether these updated cardiovascular and metabolic screenings are appropriate for their care plan. These conversations can help determine if adjustments to lifestyle or medication regimens are needed to better manage long-term risks.
The takeaway
This guidance underscores the importance of treating kidney health as a vital component of cardiovascular and metabolic stability. Discuss your current laboratory testing and long-term treatment strategy with your primary care doctor or nephrologist to ensure your care plan is up to date.
Further reading
For more information on managing systemic conditions affecting the heart, visit our Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
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