Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) carries a high risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality in these patients. Early detection improves risk stratification and clinical outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cardiovascular profile, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiographic, and carotid Doppler findings in CKD patients, evaluate associated risk factors, and determine the association between CKD stages and cardiovascular abnormalities. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study of 320 CKD patients was conducted at ESIC Medical College and Hospital and Super Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad, from October 2024 to March 2026. Participants diagnosed with CKD using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes 2012 guidelines were enrolled via consecutive sampling. Clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, ECG, 2D echocardiography, and carotid Doppler ultrasound were performed. Data analysis utilized IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 55.4 ± 20.2 years, with 52.5% males. Stage 3 CKD was most prevalent (47.2%). ECG abnormalities occurred in 63.7% of patients, whereas echocardiographic and carotid Doppler abnormalities were present in 73.8% each. Left ventricular hypertrophy, reduced ejection fraction, carotid plaques, and carotid stenosis predominated. Significant associations were found between advanced CKD stages and ECG abnormalities (P < 0.001), echocardiographic abnormalities (P = 0.001), and carotid Doppler abnormalities (P = 0.016). Conclusion: Cardiovascular abnormalities are highly prevalent in CKD patients and increase significantly with advancing disease stages. Routine screening via ECG, echocardiography, and carotid Doppler enables early detection, precise risk stratification, and timely interventions to mitigate severe complications.