What Do My Kidneys Have to Do With My Heart?

Why would my kidneys come up at a heart visit?

You go in to talk about your blood pressure, and your clinician asks about your kidneys. The two are closely connected.

Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels inside them. If your kidneys cannot remove enough fluid, that extra fluid can push your blood pressure higher.

Kidney disease also raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. Checking your kidney health can help your care team understand your heart risk too.

Why are we talking about this now?

A new review from the American Heart Association looks at how pregnancy, menopause, and other parts of a woman’s health history may affect kidney health. It is called Women’s Kidney Health in Focus and was published on September 17, 2026.

The review brings together what researchers know and what they still need to learn. It does not mean every woman needs the same tests or treatment.

My pregnancy was years ago. Does it still matter?

It can. One example is preeclampsia: high blood pressure during pregnancy that can also affect organs such as the kidneys. Having had preeclampsia may mean a higher chance of kidney disease, heart disease, or stroke later in life.

That does not mean you have kidney disease now. Tell your care team what happened during your pregnancy, even if it was many years ago. Ask whether it changes what they should check today.

What if menopause came early?

The review describes a link between a higher chance of kidney disease and menopause that happens naturally before age 45. It also describes a link with surgery to remove the ovaries before age 50.

These links do not prove that early menopause or surgery caused kidney disease. But the details are worth sharing. Tell your care team how old you were when menopause began and whether you had surgery to remove your ovaries.

What do the blood and urine tests check?

The two tests give different information about your kidneys. Here is what each one tells you:

• Blood test: How well are your kidneys filtering your blood? The estimate is called eGFR. It usually uses your blood level of creatinine, a waste product made by your muscles.
• Urine test: Is there more protein than expected? This checks for a protein called albumin. Your report may call it a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). More albumin than expected can be a sign of kidney damage.

I feel fine. Do I still need testing?

You might. Early kidney disease may have no symptoms. Ask about testing if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure. Your care team can help you decide what you need.

If you have already had a kidney blood test, ask whether you had the urine test too. One does not replace the other. Bring your results if you have them.

A result outside the usual range may need to be checked again. Ask what it means for you and when to repeat the test.

What should I bring to my next visit?

Write down any pregnancy complications, how old you were when menopause began, and any surgery to remove your ovaries. Bring your medicine list and any blood pressure, blood sugar, or kidney test results you have. It is okay if you do not know every detail.

Start with one question: “Does my history mean we should look at my kidney health as part of my heart care?”

If you already have kidney disease, ask what that means for your blood pressure treatment, food choices, and medicines. The advice should fit how your kidneys are working.