Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that gets worse over time and is closely linked to heart problems. Risk factors that are common, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic problems, make this link stronger. 
Aims of the study: Investigate the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular biomarkers, evaluating their role in disease progression, risk stratification, and potential clinical applications for early diagnosis and intervention. 
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1/8/2024 to 10/3/2025 in Nasiriyah, Iraq, to assess the link between CKD and cardiovascular biomarkers. It included 100 CKD patients and 50 healthy controls (50 males, 50 females, aged 40-80 years). CKD was diagnosed per KDIGO criteria, while controls had normal kidney function. Exclusions included acute kidney injury, severe renal or cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Blood samples were analyzed for NT-proBNP, hs-Troponin T, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and lipid profile using ELISA and automated biochemical analyzers. 
Result: CKD patients had a higher mean age (58.3±9.7 years) than controls (52.1±8.4, p=0.015) and a higher BMI (27.8±4.5 vs. 25.6±3.9, p=0.021). Diabetes (60% vs. 36%) and hypertension (75% vs. 40%) were significantly more common in CKD patients (p<0.01). eGFR was lower (38.4±12.5 vs. 95.2±8.3 mL/min/1.73 m², p<0.001). CKD patients showed increased NT-proBNP, hs-Troponin T, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and fasting glucose, with lower HDL-C (p<0.001). Correlations revealed strong links between inflammation, cardiac biomarkers, and renal dysfunction, highlighting CKD’s impact on cardiovascular health. 
Conclusions: The study concluded that CKD is strongly associated with cardiovascular biomarkers, reflecting the systemic inflammation and cardiac burden observed in CKD patients. Elevated biomarkers like NT-proBNP, hs-Troponin T, and CRP indicate increased cardiovascular risk, driven by impaired renal function and metabolic disturbances.