[Renal failure and cardiovascular risk. Increased borderline serum creatinine--a warning sign?].

It is well-known that patients with terminal renal insufficiency are at increased risk for a future cardiovascular event. A relevant relationship also appears to apply to the early stages of renal insufficiency. The HOPE study has shown that the incidence of myocardial infarction, apoplexy and cardiovascular mortality in patients with incipient renal insufficiency is significantly raised. The study also found that the incidence of cardiovascular events is in direct proportion to the level of serum creatinine. Against this background, patients at risk can be readily identified. The HOPE study documents a considerable cardiovascular risk for patients with incipient renal insufficiency and concomitant uncomplicated hypertension, atherosclerosis or diabetes. In view of this, the use of ACE inhibitors in patients with moderate renal insufficiency should now be introduced. In the HOPE subjects, ramipril was found not only to lower the cardiovascular risk, but also to improve renal insufficiency.