Editorial: should chronic kidney disease be considered as a coronary heart disease equivalent?

Current evidence suggests that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. In patients with stage 3 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate-eGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2) lifestyle measures and appropriate drugs may reduce CVD risk and stabilize (or even reverse) renal function deterioration. Furthermore, CKD is included in recent international guidelines as a population at high CVD risk. The aim should be to effectively reduce CVD risk as well as progression of CKD.