Screening for kidney disease at the age of 45 could potentially save numerous lives by preventing deadly heart conditions, as experts suggest. Individuals with diabetes and hypertension are at a heightened risk of developing kidney disease, which is closely linked to heart issues. A recent study indicates that offering all patients with these conditions a blood test for kidney disease could avert around 170,000 heart attacks and 109,000 strokes over the upcoming decade.

According to Dr. Navdeep Tangri, a nephrologist at the University of Manitoba, Canada, expanding kidney disease screening to all adults could alter the disease’s course for many patients, potentially saving them from severe outcomes like heart attacks and strokes. The study emphasizes that screening at the age of 45 is crucial since this is when the disease typically begins to manifest.

The study, unveiled at the European Renal Association Congress, simulated the impact of utilizing urine and blood tests to screen newly diagnosed diabetes and high blood pressure patients for signs of kidney disease. This initiative follows a recent trial demonstrating that the weight loss drug Ozempic or Wegovy, containing semaglutide, can notably slow kidney disease progression and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Previously, treatment options for kidney disease were limited, with most patients eventually requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, advancements in medications such as semaglutide have provided hope for slowing down the disease’s advancement. Dr. Tangri highlighted the significant progress made in treating kidney disease since 2014, with the introduction of drugs that can now effectively combat its progression.