Linda Maher
Human Pharma Country Head (Ireland) Boehringer Ingelheim UK & Ireland
This article was organised, funded and reviewed by Boehringer Ingelheim
Your kidneys may reveal important clues about the health of your heart. This World Heart Day, Ireland has a timely opportunity to spot hidden risk earlier.
You may not be aware of this, but the kidneys don’t only act as the body’s filtration system; they’re also linked to the health of our heart. So, it’s important to realise that if we experience kidney problems, we’re also at increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Kidney health linked to heart health
The challenge is, kidney problems can develop without symptoms. That’s why people who are at risk of kidney disease – such as those with high blood pressure and diabetes – should have a conversation with their healthcare professional about checking their kidney health. After all, prevention and early diagnosis can result in better health outcomes.
“Our kidneys may provide important clues about the health of our heart,” explains Linda Maher, HP Country Head, Boehringer Ingelheim Ireland Ltd.
“Because cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions are interconnected, they should be viewed together rather than in isolation. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of awareness around kidney disease in the public arena, so few people understand the link between kidney health and cardiovascular health.”
A greater focus on prevention and earlier detection
Ireland has recognised the importance of including chronic kidney disease (CKD) within the HSE Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Treatment Programme in General Practice — an initiative created in 2020 to improve management of long-term illnesses. This offers an important opportunity to support consistent implementation to help deliver earlier identification, management and treatment for the benefit of patients.
Because cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions are interconnected,
they should be viewed together rather than in isolation
Indeed, this encouraging direction of travel aligns with the broader European focus on prevention, earlier detection and more integrated care across heart and kidney health. For example, the European Union’s Safe Hearts Plan — the first comprehensive, EU-wide strategy dedicated to cardiovascular health — emphasises earlier detection, integrated care and a cohesive approach across the EU for cardiovascular health strategies.
Going forward, kidney disease detection should sit alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. “If we can identify chronic kidney disease earlier, we have a real opportunity to change the course of the disease for thousands of patients,” says Maher. “Earlier treatment can help people stay healthier for longer, while also reducing the growing pressure on our healthcare system.”
NP-IE-100912 | September 2026
